Dan Hurley can’t be more excited about a UConn Huskies player ahead of the 2025-26 NCAA&nbsp; season. Hurley’s team couldn’t make it past the second round of the national tournament last season, losing against the eventual champions, the Florida Gators.&nbsp;



Hurley and Co. are set to bounce back and show the world that they aren’t done dominating <a href="http://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. They have intriguing players, starting with Alex Karaban, Solo Ball and Jaylin Stewart. More than that, they have a talented center who has been turning heads in the offseason and might be poised to dominate next season.&nbsp;



Taris Reed Jr. has shown his abilities to communicate and help his teammates during summer practice sessions, as Hurley revealed in August.&nbsp;



“We’ve spent a lot of time with Tarris,” Hurley said. “Tarris worked his a** off. We’ve bet heavy that he’s going to have a dominant year.”



<h2>Dan Hurley raves about Taris Reed Jr. again&nbsp;</h2>



Hurley’s praise for the senior center didn’t stop there. Talking with the New Haven Register in August, he lauded Reed, but insisted he needs to be more consistent to boost his impact.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250911_BUS_490279_dan-hurley-1024x576_2cb9a632.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="dan hurley" class="wp-image-281112" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>UConn coach Dan Hurley.</figcaption></figure>



“He moves better than most guards laterally, running, vertical athleticism, off the boards. He checks every box. With him, it is motor. It is intensity. It is warrior mentality. It is discipline. It is losing your technique and fundamentals at times. If this guy puts it all together, he is as good a center as there is the country,” he said.



The Huskies had their pride hurt last season, but they are ready to compete again and reclaim their throne as the kings of college basketball.&nbsp;

Dan Hurley’s UConn may have found a new weapon

Dan Hurley's UConn may have found a new weapon - Bolavip US

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Azzi Fudd and KK Arnold are set to lead the UConn Huskies to another NCAA championship after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks to win last season’s title. While Fudd will play her final season with the Huskies, Arnold will enter her junior campaign, hoping to stay atop women’s<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a>.&nbsp;



The relationship between them didn’t have the best start, as Arnold admitted she didn’t feel comfortable with Fudd’s personality at first. Fortunately, they grew closer and now are eager to defend their national championship, this time without Paige Bueckers.&nbsp;



<h2>KK Arnold makes big admission about relationship with Azzi Fudd</h2>



Their first interaction rubbed both players the wrong way, as Arnold admitted they couldn’t see eye to eye at the beginning.&nbsp;During a recent episode of “Fudd Around and Find Out,” Arnold revealed her first thoughts about Fudd.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250909_BUS_488128_Azzi-Fudd-1024x576_0f0619eb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Azzi Fudd in 2025" class="wp-image-442199" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies </figcaption></figure>



“Even Azzi can say when I first had met her, she thought I was too much for her — [those] were her words,” Arnold said. “Maybe it can come off strong to some people, but like I didn’t really do that much. I was literally just dancing, you know, I was just being me. Like, I felt like really sad. Oh, she upset me. Like I was really upset.”



Fudd said she was upset when Arnold “was doing a lot.” Fortunately, the distance made them grow closer and understand each other better, which led to a solid friendship.&nbsp;



“Towards the end of the year as I read the room, I left her alone. Then I saw the other side of her where she was like smiling at me, which is weird,” Arnold added. “Now it took a whole year for her to warm up. And then the next year we were besties. And now look at us. We’ve come a long way.”



The Huskies have a strong squad for the 2025-26 season, and other than the Gamecocks, it’s hard to see a team challenging them for the championship.&nbsp;

KK Arnold admits she didn’t like Azzi Fudd at first

KK Arnold admits she didn't like Azzi Fudd at first - Bolavip US

Sue Bird and Geno Auriemma developed a deep relationship from their time together on the UConn Huskies. The guard and the coach won two national championships together before she left for the WNBA, where she became one of the best players of all time and a four-time champion.&nbsp;



As they grew and matured, the relationship evolved. Bird often made jokes about her former <a href="http://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> coach, who didn’t hesitate to pay back whenever he had the chance.&nbsp;



On the other side, whenever they had to get serious, they didn’t hesitate. Auriemma praised his former player in August, when the Seattle Storm unveiled Bird’s statue.&nbsp;



“Honestly, not surprised at all that you’re the first WNBA player that would ever have a statue in front of the building where you made so many memories,” Auriemma said. “But, you were first in everything you tried to do, you know.”



<h2>Sue Bird trolls Geno Auriemma during HOF speech&nbsp;</h2>



In contrast, the four-time WNBA champion took a playful jab at her former coach during her Hall of Fame speech. She took the opportunity to troll the 12-time NCAA champion with a short comment.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250908_BUS_488085_Geno-Auriemma-2-1024x576_8170e6b4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Geno Auriemma in 2025" class="wp-image-384140" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Geno Auriemma</figcaption></figure>



“I mean, I guess you gave a lot of advice, because you talk a lot. But this was really the one I remember,” Bird said to Auriemma.&nbsp;“You know, it’s not often you get to take shots [at Auriemma], and he doesn’t have a mic to come back.” 



Auriemma is still active and fresh off another NCAA title. With Azzi Fudd leading the way, he and the Huskies are eager to defend their throne.&nbsp;

Sue Bird takes a hilarious shot at Geno Auriemma during Hall of Fame speech

Sue Bird takes a hilarious shot at Geno Auriemma during Hall of Fame speech - Bolavip US

After back-to-back <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> championships with the UConn Huskies, Dan Hurley’s squad suffered a devastating 77-75 loss to the eventual 2025 champions Florida Gators, in the second round of this year’s national tournament.&nbsp;



The Huskies led the Gators for most of the game, until things changed with about three minutes on the clock. The Gators secured the win in the final seconds and ended Hurley’s dream of winning three consecutive championships.&nbsp;



Hurley pondered his future with the program after that game, revealing that he considered leaving, just one year after turning down an offer from the Los Angeles Lakers.



<h2>Dan Hurley makes huge admission about UConn’s head-coaching job&nbsp;</h2>



In his new book, “Never Stop: Life, Leadership, and What It Takes To Be Great,” Hurley revealed he seriously considered leaving the Huskies after last season’s defeat.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250905_BUS_486334_Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1024x576_34343cff.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies reacts in the first half against the Florida Gators in the second round of the NCAA Men&apos;s Basketball Tournament at Lenovo Center on March 23, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina." class="wp-image-362045" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies </figcaption></figure>



“I thought about leaving,” Hurley wrote. “Taking a gap year. Resigning as head coach of the UConn Huskies.”



He added that he constantly went back to the game and created scenarios where his team came out victorious.&nbsp;



“It was unhealthy to be ruminating this way. I was unhealthy. I desperately needed to get out of town, flee to my standard hideaway, Dorado Beach in San Juan. I needed to do some healing, not think about basketball for a few days. But that wasn’t possible in this new era. The transfer portal and NIL deals made every college player a free agent, so right after the tournament I needed to be in my office, in Storrs. If I left town right then, I wouldn’t have a team for the 2025-26 season. At that point, I wasn’t even sure that I would return for the 2025-26 season,” he added.



The Huskies enter the new season with renewed expectations, but the competition will be hard.&nbsp;But with Dan Hurley at the helm, they will always stand a chance.

Dan Hurley admits he almost left UConn after last season

Dan Hurley admits he almost left UConn after last season - Bolavip US

Azzi Fudd will be one of the biggest stars in the 2025-26<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a> season. The UConn Huskies guard will take over from her girlfriend, Paige Bueckers, after she left for the WNBA and became the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.



Fudd has hit the gym ahead of the new season, but she’s also shared the court with her idol, who turned into her mentor, Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors superstar has been a major inspiration for Fudd since she was a kid and their relationship has evolved massively in recent years.&nbsp;



It all started in 2018, when she attended Curry’s elite SC30 Select Camp. Fudd made quite an impression on the four-time NBA champion, winning the 3-point contest against all the male opponents.&nbsp;That performance sparked a relationship with the two-time MVP, who has followed and mentored her along the way.



<h2>Azzi Fudd shares details of her relationship with Steph Curry&nbsp;</h2>



During a recent installment of her “Fudd Around and Find Out” podcast, the UConn star revealed how her friendship with the all-time 3-point leader started:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250903_BUS_484645_stephen-curry-2-1024x576_adfdd6ad.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Warriors star Stephen Curry" class="wp-image-473770" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors </figcaption></figure>



“Well, first it all started when I named my dog Curry after him. That’s where it really started, and then at USA-Chile, his mom was there because they’re close with the Brink family, so his mom was there to support Cameron Brink, and I told her I was like, I named my dog after yours,” Fudd explained.



She lauded Curry for being a genuine person and not switching whenever he has a camera in front.&nbsp;



“Who you see on social media and like in videos and whatever, that’s exactly how he is in person,” Fudd said. “He really truly cares and wants to make and leave the game better and make everyone around him better.”



Three years after that first encounter, Curry signed Fudd to his SC30 brand, which explains how high the point guard is on the prospect. Now, the sky is the limit for the young guard.

Azzi Fudd opens up on her relationship with Steph Curry

Azzi Fudd opens up on her relationship with Steph Curry - Bolavip US

While she prepares for her final season at UConn, star guard Azzi Fudd shares details of her recruitment process and how different programs tried to lure her. Fudd comes off a national championship season in Paige Bueckers’ final campaign with the Huskies, and now she’ll be the leader of the team.&nbsp;



Prior to her commitment to Connecticut, Fudd visited different campuses, where she was welcomed with open arms, as several top schools wanted to secure her services.&nbsp;



The senior guard had a different approach when it came to visits, as she went to different schools while on road trips to know how things worked at those places when they weren’t prepared to receive her.&nbsp;



Fudd’s family used to drive with her to AAU tournaments, which allowed them to check some of the places that showed interest in her. One of them was UCLA, which left a good impression on Fudd.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250831_BUS_482650_Azzi-Fudd-1024x576_09272617.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Azzi Fudd in 2025" class="wp-image-442199" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies looks on in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on April 06, 2025.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Azzi Fudd praises UCLA while remembering visit to campus&nbsp;</h2>



During Friday’s edition of her “Fudd Around and Find Out” podcast, the Arlington, Virginia native recalled that she was impressed by the way UCLA tried to recruit her.&nbsp;



“When I went to UCLA, someone actually stopped me on a golf cart, showed me a magazine with my picture in it and said, ‘Are you Fudd?’” Fudd said. “UCLA needs props, because their recruiting was top-notch. They were really creative with what they would send and do.”



She added that her family made sure to drive her to different schools, even the ones that weren’t interested in her services. She credited that approach in helping her decide on her college team.&nbsp;



Fudd joined the Huskies ahead of the 2021-22 season, and has played 76 games in the last four seasons, averaging 13.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. She just won a championship and is eager to repeat before going to the WNBA.

Azzi Fudd tips her hat to UCLA’s recruiting process

Azzi Fudd tips her hat to UCLA's recruiting process - Bolavip US

As Dan Hurley prepares for a new college basketball season, the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team’s head coach is also making moves off the court. Hurley, whose team couldn’t move past the eventual 2025 national champions Florida Gators, last season, is promoting his new book.&nbsp;



Hurley’s “Never Stop: Life, Leadership and What It Takes to Be Great” book can already be pre-ordered, and the two-time NCAA champion coach is revealing new details about what fans can expect to learn from his work.&nbsp;



As part of the promotion, Hurley revealed that he included a life-changing piece of advice legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski told him.



<h2>Dan Hurley on Mike Krzyzewski’s life-changing advice&nbsp;</h2>



On a Monday Instagram post, Hurley shared a strong message about his relationship with “Coach K,” calling him family and recalling how impactful he was on his life.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250830_BUS_481975_Mike-Krzyzewski-1-1024x576_67fcaf42.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mike Krzyzewski" class="wp-image-288328" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mike Krzyzewski</figcaption></figure>



“Coach K has been like family for a long time,” Hurley wrote on Instagram. “Years ago, he gave me a piece of advice that changed my life. It’s part of my story in ’Never Stop,’ out next month. Preorder at the link in my bio!”



The post included a message from “Coach K,” who didn’t mince words when praising Hurley’s passion and leadership.



“Dan Hurley emerged from one of the finest leadership families our sport has known, so it is no surprise that he set a standard at UConn that few coaches have ever matched. His players respond with championship effort because they know how much he genuinely cares about them,” read the message.



“Coach K” is no longer active, but his impact and legacy in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> remain untouched.&nbsp;

UConn’s Dan Hurley pays the ultimate tribute to Coach K

UConn's Dan Hurley pays the ultimate tribute to Coach K - Bolavip US

Coming off a national championship with the UConn Huskies, Azzi Fudd is ready to lead the team to the top of women’s<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a> again, although this time she won’t have her best partner in crime by her side.&nbsp;



Paige Bueckers left after last season’s championship game and became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, joining a Dallas Wings team that welcomed her with open arms.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, Fudd is back in Connecticut to start preparations for the 2025-26 season that will present new challenges for Geno Auriemma’s team. Fudd is entering her final season, and she wants to leave the competition on a high note.&nbsp;



<h2>Azzi Fudd details the differences of playing without Paige Bueckers</h2>



After averaging 13.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game last campaign, she will be given the keys to the car, alongside Sarah Strong, to lead the Huskies to the promised land for a second consecutive year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250828_BUS_481144_Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-dribbles-during-the-first-half-against-the-Louisville-Cardinals-i-1024x576_76d1db45.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-363587" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></figure>



During a conversation with Sports Illustrated’s “Around the WNBA” podcast, Fudd discussed how different it would be for her to be on the court without Bueckers by her side.



“It’s definitely going to be different, but it’s going to be great,” Fudd. “We have some new pieces coming in and I mean just from this Summer, I got chills I was so excited with how things went so to get more time with them to really build our chemistry and build what we’re working on as a team, it’s going to be another great year.”



They could reunite next season in the WNBA, and perhaps on the same team if things fall into place for Fudd and Bueckers.&nbsp;

UConn’s Azzi Fudd makes candid admission about playing without girlfriend Paige Bueckers

UConn's Azzi Fudd makes candid admission about playing without girlfriend Paige Bueckers - Bolavip US

The UConn Huskies are in preparation for the 2025-26 NCAA season, in which they will try to return to the top of the competition. After a painful 77-75 loss against the Florida Gators, the Huskies went out and added several pieces to the roster.&nbsp;



While solid prospects such as Alex Karaban and Taris Reed Jr. will play another <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> season, Dan Hurley continues to receive new additions that would elevate the team’s level.&nbsp;



UConn might not be done just yet, and they would be championship candidates if their new players click from the get-go. On Monday, draft expert Jonathan Givony reported that a 22-year-old prospect committed to the program.



<h2>UConn gets Serbian prospect for 2025-26 season&nbsp;</h2>



Givony shared that Serbian Star Uros Paunovic was committing to play for the Huskies. Paunovic’s agent, Matija Mihajlovic, revealed the player’s decision. Paunovic comes from KK Zlativor in the ABA League 2, where he averaged 8.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Dan Hurley commented on this, lauding the Serbian’s prior experience.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250824_BUS_477656_dan-hurley-1024x576_1b819179.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies looks on in the second half of a semifinal game against the Creighton Bluejays during the Big East Men&apos;s Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 14, 2025 in New York City. The Bluejays won 71-62." class="wp-image-411558" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies.</figcaption></figure>



“Uros is a guy we liked on film,” Hurley said, per UConn men’s basketball portal. “He’s got a ton of experience as a 22-year-old; he’s been a starter professionally in the top division in Serbia, a guard who’s pretty good with the ball, can shoot and pass, and plays with real emotion on the floor. We’re looking forward to having him join the Huskies.”



Paunovic joins the likes of Braylon Mullins, Eric Reibe, Jacob Furphy, Jacob Ross, and Rrezon Elezaj. It’ll be quite interesting to watch his journey and how he adapts.

UConn gets another big-time reinforcement with European star

UConn gets another big-time reinforcement with European star - Bolavip US

UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd made quite an impression when she took on and beat Steph Curry in a three-player 3-point contest. Fudd, fresh off winning the 2025 NCAA national championship, prepares for another competitive campaign with the Huskies.&nbsp;



Before the season starts, the incoming senior continues to make moves off the field. Fudd, who recorded 13.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game last season, became public with Paige Bueckers, and has shared details of her relationship with the Dallas Wings’ star.&nbsp;



More than that, Fudd traveled to China with four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry and his brother Seth. They held a 3-point contest in Chongqing on Monday, with Fudd holding her head up against two seasoned NBA veterans.



<h2>Azzi Fudd beats Stephen Curry, Seth Curry in 3-point contest&nbsp;</h2>



Fudd and the Curry brothers engaged in a 3-point shootout as part of their three-day basketball camp for young talent in the region. The trio entertained the campers, with Fudd coming on top.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://t.co/EcbF5PIa2f">pic.twitter.com/EcbF5PIa2f</a>— ana (@salt3dwounds) <a href="https://twitter.com/salt3dwounds/status/1957408574092791917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Seth Curry made two out of five threes, while Steph went 3-of-5, and Fudd only missed one shot to beat her competition.



Fudd is coming off her best season from deep, as she made 43.6% of her attempts. She shoots 40.7% from deep for her career, a number that should have warned the Currys about what was coming.



The Huskies will defend their national championship in the upcoming season. Fudd took over from Bueckers as the team’s leader, set to take the squad to the promised land again.&nbsp;

Azzi Fudd beats Stephen Curry in epic three-point shootout

Azzi Fudd beats Stephen Curry in epic three-point shootout - Bolavip US

After a legendary 19-season WNBA career, Sue Bird received a giant honor from her only team in the league, the Seattle Storm. The retired guard led the franchise to four WNBA championships while becoming a 13-time All-Star, eight-time All-WNBA, and three-time assists champion, among other accolades.



Bird was already a Hall of Famer before the Storm honored her with a rare feat that not even many NBA legends have. On Sunday, her statue was unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena. The team held the ceremony ahead of a duel against the Phoenix Mercury.&nbsp;



Shortly after, they shared a video on Instagram, which showed Geno Auriemma paying homage to his former UConn Huskies player. Auriemma and Bird won two NCAA championships together and their relationship has been close ever since.



<h2>Geno Auriemma sends emotional message to Sue Bird</h2>



Auriemma apologized for not attending the ceremony, but added that Bird’s accolades guaranteed her such a big honor.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250823_BUS_477625_Sue-Bird-1024x576_635d5883.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-308146" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07143328/Sue-Bird-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07143328/Sue-Bird-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07143328/Sue-Bird-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07143328/Sue-Bird-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07143328/Sue-Bird-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07143328/Sue-Bird-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07143328/Sue-Bird-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/07143328/Sue-Bird.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Sue Bird</figcaption></figure>



“Honestly, not surprised at all that you’re the first WNBA player that would ever have a statue in front of the building where you made so many memories,” Auriemma said. “But, you were first in everything you tried to do, you know. At UConn, you were first pick, you were first by winning championships in Seattle, first to five gold medals … Now, just a lifetime of firsts and first in games played, first in steals, all that great stuff. We couldn’t be prouder of you. Personally, I’ve obviously loved every minute of watching you play and everything else that you’ve accomplished during your incredible career.”



Bird played 118 games with the Huskies, averaging 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, shooting 48.1% from the field, 45.9% from deep, and 89.2% from the free-throw line.

Geno Auriemma pens emotional congratulations to Sue Bird

Geno Auriemma pens emotional congratulations to Sue Bird - Bolavip US

Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers cleared the air in their relationship and are now sharing details of their dynamics. The couple first crossed paths in elite high school basketball circuits. They participated in tryouts for the USA Women’s U16 National Team in 2017, a couple of years before they met again in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.&nbsp;



Bueckers joined the program in 2020, with Fudd following in her steps a year later. They spent three seasons together before Bueckers became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, fresh off a national championship season.



Now that their relationship is no longer a secret, the couple has been more outgoing about their bond.



<h2>Azzi Fudd on what she admires the most about Paige Bueckers&nbsp;</h2>



In a conversation on the “Close Friends Only with Instagram” podcast, Fudd was asked what she admired the most about Bueckers. She first joked and called the Dallas Wings’ guard “annoying.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250819_BUS_475337_Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-1024x576_2efd020c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-371504" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06202937/Azzi-Fudd-35-of-the-UConn-Huskies-speaks-to-the-media-during-a-press-conference-after-beating-the-S.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Azzi Fudd</figcaption></figure>



“I think you’re really annoying,” Fudd said. “I think you’re really good at getting under people’s skin. I think sometimes your mascara doesn’t look good. Today it looks good.”



She gave a different and more in-depth response when Bueckers asked the question again.&nbsp;



“Ooh, you’re super giving,” Fudd said. “And I like how you always make sure you put others first. And sometimes, like, you out yourself first. So I like how you take care of people around you and those who matter most to you. You’re super loyal.”



After months of speculation, they finally confirmed they are an item, and fans embraced their relationship.&nbsp;

UConn’s Azzi Fudd reveals what she admires the most of girlfriend Paige Bueckers

UConn's Azzi Fudd reveals what she admires the most of girlfriend Paige Bueckers - Bolavip US

Dan Hurley has coached strong teams at UConn since he took over as head coach in 2018. He has won 165 of 234 wins, while leading the Huskies to back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024.&nbsp;



The challenge will be different in the 2025-26 campaign after Hurley and Co. were eliminated by the Florida Gators in the 2025 NCAA tournament. They want to return to the top of Division I basketball, and Hurley believes this team resembles one of his championship squads.&nbsp;



The Huskies welcomed intriguing players such as Malachi Smith, Alec Melander and Jacob Furphy to bolster their defense, while retaining Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. on the roster. All the pieces he has at his disposal make Hurley believe he has something special going on.&nbsp;



<h2>Dan Hurley makes bold comparison with 2023 UConn national championship&nbsp;</h2>



While talking with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>analyst Jon Rothstein, Hurley revealed the 2025-26 group reminds him of the squad that won the championship in 2023.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250819_BUS_475336_dan-hurley-1024x576_2e750669.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="dan hurley" class="wp-image-281112" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27143957/dan-hurley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27143957/dan-hurley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27143957/dan-hurley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27143957/dan-hurley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27143957/dan-hurley-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27143957/dan-hurley-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27143957/dan-hurley-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/27143957/dan-hurley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>UConn coach Dan Hurley.</figcaption></figure>



“Yeah, I think it’s more like the ’23 team, where I do think it’s a strength in numbers,” Hurley said. “I think the depth is what’s gonna make it potentially a championship team or a special season for us.”



He added that the new players should help the defense while working hard to grab rebounds, sending a message to those who don’t commit to the grind.&nbsp;



“If you don’t defend for us this year or rebound the ball the way UConn has built its championship identity on, you’re not going to play,” Hurley warned. “Last year, players got minutes that didn’t guard anywhere near the level we need them to guard at.”



The Huskies have unfinished business, and Hurley is raising the expectations for the new-look team.&nbsp;

Dan Hurley compares this UConn team to his 2023 National Champions

Dan Hurley compares this UConn team to his 2023 National Champions - Bolavip US

Dan Hurley made his thoughts crystal clear about a potential move to the NBA. The UConn Huskies men’s basketball team coach developed one of the most dominant teams in<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball </a>in recent years, taking the Huskies to back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024.&nbsp;



After that second consecutive title, the Los Angeles Lakers listed Hurley as a potential candidate to replace Darvin Ham and take the California team to the top of the NBA again.&nbsp;



Hurley declined the option and stayed with the Huskies, which led the Lakers to bring in JJ Redick to Crypto.com Arena. While the Lakers’ option was off the table, Hurley could also become a candidate to coach the New York Knicks after they fired Tom Thibodeau.&nbsp;



<h2>Dan Hurley on whether he’s considered joining the NBA</h2>



During a Thursday appearance on “Inside College Basketball Now,” Hurley told Jon Rothstein that he never considered the Knicks head coaching vacancy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250818_BUS_474741_dan-hurley-1024x576_05f26066.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies looks on in the second half of a semifinal game against the Creighton Bluejays during the Big East Men&apos;s Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 14, 2025 in New York City. The Bluejays won 71-62." class="wp-image-411558" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/04181250/dan-hurley.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies.</figcaption></figure>



“No, not even a small part of me (thought about it),” Hurley said. “I think, when you’re coming off the year that we had, I think, you know, every thought – and it’s hard to turn off, I think, you know, for most of us, you know, that are coaching at the level, you know, that I’m coaching at at this level of sport?”



“I don’t think – your mind very rarely drifts from your team, your program, your players, where things are headed, especially when you’re coming off of, you know, a season like we had had, you know. So, that – yeah, that was never even a thought, really,” he added.



The Huskies will enter a new season after losing to the Florida Gators in the 2025 NCAA tournament.&nbsp;

Dan Hurley gets brutally honest on his future at UConn and the NBA

Dan Hurley gets brutally honest on his future at UConn and the NBA - Bolavip US

UConn Huskies star guard Azzi Fudd opened up on her connection with Paige Bueckers. For years, the nature of their relationship has been a topic of discussion in certain circles of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.



While Fudd appears to have cleared the air when she shared a picture using a phone case that read “Paige Bueckers’ girlfriend,” confirming what many people thought. They were teammates at UConn from 2021 through 2025, when Bueckers left for the WNBA, creating a deep bond that lasts to this day.



Fudd is now set to lead the Huskies alongside Sarah Strong after they won the 2025 NCAA championship against the South Carolina Gamecocks. She shared details of her relationship with Bueckers ahead of the new season.&nbsp;



<h2>Azzi Fudd shares details behind relationship with Paige Bueckers&nbsp;</h2>



During a conversation with Glamour, Fudd opened up about her relationship with the 2025 No. 1 overall pick. The senior guard said that they aren’t that similar, but they put in the effort to balance each other out.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250818_BUS_474743_Azzi-Fudd-1024x576_9994a2e2.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Azzi Fudd in 2025" class="wp-image-442199" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/16143825/Azzi-Fudd-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/16143825/Azzi-Fudd-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/16143825/Azzi-Fudd-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/16143825/Azzi-Fudd-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/16143825/Azzi-Fudd-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/16143825/Azzi-Fudd-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/16143825/Azzi-Fudd-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/16143825/Azzi-Fudd.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies looks on in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on April 06, 2025.</figcaption></figure>



“She’s more outgoing; I’m quieter. She’s a little more feisty; I’m a little more calm and even-keeled,” Fudd told Glamour. “It’s not always natural, but we can adapt and be what the other person needs in that moment.”



More than that, she revealed when she felt she would have a strong connection with the now Dallas Wings player.&nbsp;



“Almost kind of immediately… I feel like we really clicked when we met,” she admitted. Their on-court chemistry was remarkable, but you can see it goes deeper than that.&nbsp;

UConn’s Azzi Fudd shares details about her bond with girlfriend Paige Bueckers

UConn's Azzi Fudd shares details about her bond with girlfriend Paige Bueckers - Bolavip US

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