UConn star Azzi Fudd makes shocking WNBA decision amid March Madness run with Huskies

The UConn Huskies are chasing their second consecutive Final Four appearance in March Madness, after earning the No. 2 seed in the Regional 4 phase of the NCAA Tournament’s bracket. Amid their championship aspirations, star Azzi Fudd surprised the league with a shocking announcement.

The Huskies, led by star Paige Bueckers, are gearing up for their Sweet Sixteen clash against the Oklahoma Sooners, after taking down the South Dakota State Jackrabbits by a lopsided score of 91-57.

The upcoming test will be much more challenging for UConn as they face the No. 3 seed in the Regional semifinal. With the men’s team falling short of a three-peat, the Huskies will look to keep the school’s championship spirit alive. Bueckers, Fudd, and the rest of the squad will aim to bring the NCAA title back to Storrs.

On that note, UConn learned great news after Azzi Fudd voiced a big announcement about his future, with the 2025 WNBA Draft approaching on the horizon.

Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies dribbles during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals in the Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic at Barclays Center on December 07, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

UConn Huskies star Azzi Fudd is forgoing her eligibility in the 2025 WNBA Draft, instead staying for one more college basketball season in Storrs. “Hey Gampel, thanks for last night… See you next year #onemoreyear,” Fudd stated on an Instagram post, announcing her decision to stay with the Huskies.

see also

March Madness 2025 mascots: Discover which animal rules the men’s tournament

One year under the spotlight

Fudd explained her decision as she intended to further grow and develop before parting ways with women’s college basketball for good, embarking in the WNBA. During an interview with ESPN, Fudd admitted a conversation with head coach Geno Auriemma helped her make up her mind and stay with the program for her final year of eligibility.

UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers reacts to a play during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals.

“He said, ‘I would say 10 games, maybe, you’ve played to your full potential of who Azzi Fudd really is and so you wouldn’t do yourself justice leaving,'” Fudd stated about her coach’s advice. “‘You would leave here not doing what you could in a UConn uniform.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, he has a point.'”

Moreover, with Bueckers set to declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft, projected to be the first overall selection, Fudd would get the chance to showcase her abilities as the top player on the team, further increasing her stock for the 2026 Draft.