UConn Huskies star and new leader after Paige Bueckers left, Azzi Fudd, revealed which player she grew up idolizing. Fudd, 22, is about to play her fifth season with the Huskies, this time coming off a national championship after beating the South Carolina Gamecocks in April.&nbsp;



The expectations are high for Fudd and the new-look Huskies, but the guard and other stars, such as Sarah Strong and Ashlynn Shad, are set to defend the title before Fudd leaves for the WNBA.&nbsp;



While she prepares for the upcoming campaign, Fudd continues to make moves off the court. She debuted her “Fudd Around and Find Out” podcast last week alongside longtime friend and former Texas A&amp;M star Ashanti Plummer.



<h2>Azzi Fudd reveals she idolized New York Liberty star growing up&nbsp;</h2>



During the first episode of the show, Azzi Fudd recalled her experience at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indiana. The guard revealed she met several people, including the player she looked up to when she was a kid: Natasha Cloud.



<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_20250814_BUS_472469_Azzi-Fudd-1024x576_e159f0bf.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-303322" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Azzi Fudd</figcaption></figure>



“Gosh, I met so many people,” Fudd said. “It was really fun to see players, like, I’m a big fan of Natasha Cloud, I love her. She played for the Mystics, like she’s one of my favorite players growing up. She made me love watching the Mystics, and when she got traded, I don’t see her as much. So being able to see her, it was like fun.”&nbsp;



Cloud has been in the W since 2015 after the Washington Mystics drafted her with the 15th pick in the second round of that year’s draft. She became an WNBA champion in 2019 during her nine-year spell with the capital team.&nbsp; She joined the Phoenix Mercury in 2024 and now plays for the defending champions New York Liberty, trying to help them win back-to-back titles.

Azzi Fudd reveals her WNBA idol growing up

Azzi Fudd reveals her WNBA idol growing up - Bolavip US

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Azzi Fudd, like many other student-athletes, is taking the most advantage of the current landscape in college sports. NIL deals changed how athletes approach their collegiate career, and even have second thoughts about becoming professionals if they can also make money in college.&nbsp;



Fudd, 22, is one of the biggest stars of the 2025-26 NCAA season. After securing the 2025 national championship, Fudd and the UConn Huskies are the team to beat, while the South Carolina Gamecocks, LSU Tigers and UCLA Bruins, among others, are eager to dethrone them.&nbsp;



The senior guard can’t stop taking Ws, as she’s not only getting better and succeeding with her team on the court, but is also making moves off of it.



<h2>Azzi Fudd discusses new NIL deal with Unrivaled&nbsp;</h2>



Azzi Fudd launched her podcast, “Fudd Around and Find Out,” alongside longtime friend Ashanti Plumer, on Thursday. She discussed a variety of topics, including her NIL deal with Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s league that debuted in March and featured a plethora of WNBA stars.&nbsp;Fudd was one of 14 college athletes who signed NIL deals with the competition.&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_20250814_BUS_472468_Azzi-Fudd-1024x576_6319b7ad.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-303322" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Azzi Fudd</figcaption></figure>



“Unrivaled is a professional three-on-three league that was started by Napheesa Collier and Brianna Stewart, who are both WNBA players. Super fast paced, it’s super fun,” Fudd said on Thursday. “I think they did such an incredible job this year of launching this league. I think no one really knew what to expect, and they kind of just blew it out of the water. I was so impressed by just how well everything was run. Everything looked organized and like put together. It looked like the players had a great time. Their social teams were killing it.”



Fudd will be eligible to play in the league in 2027, hoping that she becomes a pro and joins the WNBA in 2026.&nbsp;

Azzi Fudd gets real on her NIL deal with Unrivaled

Azzi Fudd gets real on her NIL deal with Unrivaled - Bolavip US

Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies are preparing for a 2025-26 NCAA season in which they will no longer be the defending champions after securing back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024.



After a 77-75 loss to the eventual 2025 champions Florida Gators, the Huskies are set to bounce back and challenge for the title again. They retained important pieces such as Tarris Reed Jr., Solo Ball and Jaylin Stewart.&nbsp;



Their leader for the new season will be Alex Karaban, who Hurley believes can have a breakout year in his fourth campaign in <a href="http://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. The forward averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks per game in 2024-25, but his efforts weren’t enough to take his team to a third consecutive championship.&nbsp;



<h2>Dan Hurley warns about Alex Karaban’s mentality after being overlooked</h2>



The lack of success last season might have cost him a lot of attention and hype for the upcoming one. Hurley believes Karaban deserves more praise than he’s gotten so far, predicting that the forward is bound to make a statement.



<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_20250813_BUS_472080_Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1024x576_4dbb4dac.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" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies </figcaption></figure>



After a Friday scrimmage, Hurley told reporters that Karaban is overlooked, but that lack of attention has helped his mentality ahead of an important season.



“Alex looks great,” Hurley said. “I think he’s coming into the season under the radar, and I think he’ll respond better mentally to that. What he went through last year has mentally prepared him. There’s a mental toughness you develop when you go through a year like we had as a team.”



The Huskies have unfinished business, and Karaban’s apparent disrespect might add fuel to a hurt team.&nbsp;

Dan Hurley believes one UConn star is being overlooked

Dan Hurley believes one UConn star is being overlooked - Bolavip US

The UConn Huskies will enter the upcoming 2025-26 NCAA season with unfinished business. The 2023 and 2024 national champions were eliminated by the Florida Gators in the 2025 national tournament, which ended their hopes to win three straight championships.&nbsp;



Dan Hurley and Co. are eager to bounce back and reclaim the throne of men’s Division I basketball, and the coach is banking on certain players to step up and lead the squad to a favorable result next April.&nbsp;



Center Tarris Reed Jr. is among those expected to showcase their talents in 2025-26, with Hurley showing strong belief in the senior prospect. With Alex Karaban set to take a bigger role on the squad, Reed Jr. could be a solid sidekick.



<h2>Dan Hurley hypes up Tarris Reed Jr. ahead of 2025-26 season</h2>



During Friday’s media availability at the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center, Hurley made his thoughts about Tarris Reed Jr. very clear, hailing the former Michigan Wolverines star’s aggressiveness and work ethic during practice.&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_20250813_BUS_472078_Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1024x576_ce942809.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" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies </figcaption></figure>



Additionally, Hurley said Reed showed strong communication skills and helped his teammates with screens during their practice session. All these traits made Hurley predict a big season from Reed.&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.”



In 35 games with the Huskies, Reed averaged 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game, shooting 67% from the field and 64.4% from the free-throw line. He also added 1.6 blocks per game.

Dan Hurley predicts UConn player will have a ‘dominant year’

Dan Hurley predicts UConn player will have a 'dominant year' - Bolavip US

With Paige Bueckers defending the Dallas Wings in the WNBA, the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team will now pivot to Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong to lead the way. They are entering this season as the defending champions, but with Bueckers out of the picture, they’ll need renovated leadership to go back-to-back.&nbsp;



Fudd, who enters her final season, was the natural option to take the torch from Bueckers. Strong, a couple of years younger, is expected to take over once the guard goes to the pros. But first, they will have to lead the team to challenge for another title, and Geno Auriemma is excited about this tandem.&nbsp;



After beating the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2025 national championship game, the Huskies will face new challenges. Auriemma knows he has two big stars who won’t hesitate to take them on and sent a message to opponents ahead of the new season.&nbsp;



<h2>Geno Auriemma warns opponents about Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong&nbsp;</h2>



On Monday, during his golf tournament, Auriemma told reporters that Fudd and Strong are looking just fine ahead of the new campaign.



<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_20250810_BUS_469806_Geno-Auriemma-1024x576_3eab697e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-296592" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Geno Auriemma</figcaption></figure>



“I gotta tell ya, I’ve never seen Azzi this aggressive, this engaged in wanting to do a lot,” Auriemma said about Fudd, before addressing Strong. “That’s probably stood out more than anything. Remember the way Sarah was in that last game, she’s way better. So those two things really stood out these last two weeks.”



The Huskies are the most successful team in women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, and they don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

Geno Auriemma fires bold Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd warning

Geno Auriemma fires bold Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd warning - Bolavip US

After seeing their three-peat dreams ruined by the Florida Gators in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA tournament, the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team is eager to bounce back and challenge for the national championship again.&nbsp;



With the defending champions Gators, the renewed Duke Blue Devils, the dangerous Kansas Jayhawks and more, Dan Hurley’s team won’t have the easiest path to another championship.&nbsp;



They have Alex Karaban returning for another season after withdrawing from the NBA draft, which is major for the team’s championship quest. UConn’s project has been built brick by brick, and that factor can make them favorites entering the 2025-26 season.&nbsp;



<h2>NCAA analyst names X-factor for UConn&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College basketball</a> analyst Rob Dawson broke down how Dan Hurley can take the Huskies back to the Final Four this upcoming season:



<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_20250810_BUS_469802_dan-hurley-1024x576_315caac5.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>



“The X factor for me for this group is on the defensive end of the floor,” Dawson said, via “The Field of 68.” “They got much better at the end of last season than they were at the start of last season. … I think that they will improve not having Sampson Johnson out there, he was a liability on the glass and was not the best on-ball defender we’ve ever seen.



“Allowing Tarris Reed to play more minutes will help them on that end of the floor. That’s my big question: what will this team be defensively? Because I think if you are a top 50-ish defense on KenPom, you can make the Final Four. If they’re a top-20 defense on KenPom, that’s a very different conversation that we’re having.”



UConn enters the new season eager to reclaim its spot among the best teams in college basketball.

NCAA analyst reveals the Huskies’ X-factor ahead of crucial season

NCAA analyst reveals the Huskies' X-factor ahead of crucial season - Bolavip US

After a heartbreaking second-round loss against the Florida Gators in the 2025 NCAA national tournament, the UConn Huskies are ready to bounce back and compete for the national championship again.&nbsp;



The Gators would go on to win it all later on, confirming that they were the best team in the country. The Huskies, who won the 2023 and 2024 national championships, are still expected to make some noise in the upcoming season.&nbsp;



During Monday’s episode of the “Field of 68 After Dark” podcast, college basketball analyst John Fanta expressed his good feelings about UConn’s chances to shine again in 2026.



<h2>Analyst makes strong prediction about UConn Huskies&nbsp;</h2>



After they failed to win a third consecutive championship, Fanta believes the Huskies will be hungry to win their third title in the last four seasons. He pointed out that continuity can play a big role in a potential title run.&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_20250807_BUS_467988_Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1024x576_a6bf9832.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" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies </figcaption></figure>



“I think that this is a team that has the makeup to reach the program’s third Final Four in four years and frankly can win a national championship,” Fanta said. When you have the continuity factors, you also have the hunger factor of last year.”



More than that, Fanta said that the Gators struggled at times against the Huskies, and they wouldn’t want to face UConn again this <a href="http://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> season.&nbsp;



“UConn was giving Florida’s defense so many fits. And the Gators were really in a deep hole,” Fanta said. “They would tell you they might not win a national championship without that test from UConn to make them have a reality check.“



The Huskies are set to bounce back and let everybody know they aren’t done yet.&nbsp;

Dan Hurley’s UConn predicted to bounce back after subpar season

Dan Hurley's UConn predicted to bounce back after subpar season - Bolavip US

After two seasons watching others shine while he complemented his teammates, Alex Karaban will enter his senior season with high expectations. Karaban, a member of the back-to-back national champions UConn Huskies, elevated his game in the 2024-25 season, but the campaign didn’t end as he would have liked.&nbsp;



Dan Hurley’s team was shocked by the eventual national champions Florida Gators, in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Karaban became a top option for Hurley, which is promising ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. 



The forward carries high expectations, but he needs to fix a couple of things in his game to reach the next level.&nbsp;One analyst believes he goes just fine with the motions, but he tends to overthink when an apparent easy shot is right in front of him.



<h2>Analyst says Alex Karaban is “too smart” on the court&nbsp;</h2>



In Monday’s episode of the “Field of 68 After Dark” podcast, analyst Rob Dauster told John Fanta that Karaban thinks too much when he’s in front of a positive situation, calling his hesitation “a mess.”



<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_20250807_BUS_467984_Dan-Hurley-1-1024x576_f6443551.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dan Hurley UConn HC" class="wp-image-361084" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22083915/Dan-Hurley-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22083915/Dan-Hurley-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22083915/Dan-Hurley-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22083915/Dan-Hurley-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22083915/Dan-Hurley-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22083915/Dan-Hurley-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22083915/Dan-Hurley-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22083915/Dan-Hurley-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies greets Alex Karaban #11</figcaption></figure>



“He’s too smart for his own good. Like he thinks too much,” Dauster said. “It was one of those things where when he was wide open and in a catch and shoot situation and he had an opportunity to like to think about what was about to happen, he was a mess.”



After posting 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks per game last season, Karaban should take his game to the next level this campaign, as the Huskies have unfinished business.

NCAA analyst gets brutally honest on Alex Karaban

NCAA analyst gets brutally honest on Alex Karaban - Bolavip US

Geno Auriemma and Caitlin Clark crossed paths multiple times during the Iowa Hawkeyes’ remarkable collegiate career. After four years at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, where she even became a soccer star, Clark was set to start her college career.&nbsp;



She had a strong desire to join Auriemma’s UConn Huskies, but the coach or any official from the program never reached out to her or her family. Her options narrowed down to Notre Dame and Iowa. While the Fighting Irish appeared to have the upper hand in the race to recruit Clark, she wasn’t sold on the project.



It was after a phone call with Lisa Bluder that Clark decided to commit to Iowa, where she became one of the best women’s college basketball players of all time.



She faced off against Auriemma’s Huskies several times, including a close 71-69 win over UConn during the 2023-24 season, Clark’s senior campaign. That Final Four win allowed the Hawkeyes to advance to the national championship, which they lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks.



<h2>Geno Auriemma wanted Caitlin Clark to reach out to recruit her&nbsp;</h2>



In an interview with CT Insider last year, Geno Auriemma shed light on why he didn’t recruit Caitlin Clark to his Huskies. The 12-time national champion cited that having Paige Bueckers ready to lead the backcourt made it complicated to add Clark to the roster.



<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_20250805_BUS_466355_caitlin-clark-injury-1-1024x576_a353e901.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="caitlin clark looks on during Fever game" class="wp-image-447199" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/24094702/caitlin-clark-injury-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/24094702/caitlin-clark-injury-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/24094702/caitlin-clark-injury-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/24094702/caitlin-clark-injury-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/24094702/caitlin-clark-injury-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/24094702/caitlin-clark-injury-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/24094702/caitlin-clark-injury-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/24094702/caitlin-clark-injury-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Caitlin Clark is struggling with a groin injury </figcaption></figure>



“Well, there’s a lot of kids we didn’t recruit and there’s a lot of kids who don’t want to go to UConn,” Auriemma said. “I committed to Paige Bueckers very, very early and it would have been silly for me to say to Paige, ‘Hey listen, we’re going to put you in the backcourt and then I’m going to try really hard to recruit Caitlin Clark.’ I don’t do it that way.”



The move paid off for Auriemma, as Bueckers became a UConn legend, a national champion, and the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.&nbsp;

Geno Auriemma reveals why he didn’t recruit Caitlin Clark to UConn

Geno Auriemma reveals why he didn't recruit Caitlin Clark to UConn - Bolavip US

UConn Huskies men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley is adding more accolades to his resume. After suffering a painful 77-75 loss to the Florida Gators in the 2025 NCAA tournament, which ruined Hurley’s plans to lead the Huskies to back-to-back-to-back championships, the veteran coach is set to return to the action with a renewed squad.&nbsp;



That won’t be the only venture Hurley will embark on this fall. Hurley wants to pass along some knowledge to those looking to excel at coaching or any other activity in life.&nbsp;



Hurley will have a 30-year coaching career in 2026 after he started as an assistant at St. Anthony High School. After stints with Rutgers, Wagner and Rhode Island, he secured the UConn job in 2018.



<h2>Dan Hurley announces a book for the fall&nbsp;</h2>



All that experience has allowed Hurley to become a proven winner in a competition where winning becomes more complicated every year. The coach shared a video announcing his upcoming book, “Never Stop,” which he hopes can help people learn from his experiences.



<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_20250804_BUS_464691_dan-hurley-1024x576_f86e58e5.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>



“I’m really excited about something that’s gonna happen in the fall,” Coach Hurley said. “I’m going to be launching this project that’s been a labor of love for me for the last year, partnering up with an incredible author in Ian O’Connor to produce this book that I think a lot of people are going to enjoy: the leadership lessons, the life story, and the honesty of what it’s taken in my basketball life journey to get here.”



The Huskies have unfinished business after their 2025 second-round loss, and Hurley is ready to take them back to the top of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> again this season.

UConn’s Dan Hurley reveals new exciting project for the fall

UConn's Dan Hurley reveals new exciting project for the fall - Bolavip US

UConn Huskies senior guard Azzi Fudd is preparing for a season in which Paige Bueckers won’t be around. Fudd is set to take a bigger role on the team after Bueckers left for the WNBA.



While she’s bracing to lead the defending national champions, Fudd doesn’t think she’ll have the same approach Bueckers had when it came to leadership. After playing only two games in the 2023-24 season, she rebounded last year, playing 34 games and averaging 13.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game.&nbsp;



She helped Bueckers and Co. return to the national championship game and win it against Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks. Fudd faces a different challenge now, but she’s not running away from it.



<h2>Azzi Fudd on how different a leader she’ll be compared to Paige Bueckers</h2>



With Paige Bueckers out of the picture, Azzi Fudd was the natural pick to succeed the guard as the team’s leader. Fudd made it clear she felt no pressure with this new role and is welcoming it with open arms.



<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_20250804_BUS_464692_Azzi-Fudd-1024x576_648a6c9d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-303322" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Azzi Fudd</figcaption></figure>



“I don’t think I see it as pressure on me,” Fudd said via CT Insider. “I see it more as a challenge. Maybe that’s because I like challenges, and to think of it as pressure, then it becomes a little bit more heavy.”



Moreover, she outlined her approach to this role, distinguishing herself from Bueckers and Nika Muhl.&nbsp;



“I’m not gonna be like how Paige was a leader, how Nika (Mühl) was as a leader,” Fudd said. “I’m not gonna be super loud. I don’t think that’s in me to be like that. So, to find, like, who Azzi is as a leader, that’s gonna be my challenge.”



Fudd inherited a major responsibility, but she’s more than ready to take it on.&nbsp;

Azzi Fudd explains why she won’t be like Paige Bueckers at UConn

Azzi Fudd explains why she won't be like Paige Bueckers at UConn - Bolavip US

The UConn Huskies failed to win three consecutive national championships in 2025, but they are set to bounce back and challenge for the title in the 2025-26 campaign. 



Coach Dan Hurley will have Solo Ball back on the court. Ball has been a key part of the team during his two seasons, helping the Huskies become and remain a strong squad.&nbsp;



Coming off a season in which he averaged 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, Ball is expected to take his game to new heights. Hurley discussed his expectations for the 6-foot-3 guard in a YouTube video uploaded by Storrs Central TV on Sunday.



<h2>Dan Hurley raves about Solo Ball</h2>



“Solo, I would just say, you know … the confidence, you know, what he was able to do,” Hurley said. “I mean, he did not know if he was a guy that was careening towards shooting like mid-40s to even higher from 3 at incredibly high volume, and it’s not easy to make threes in a Jordan Hawkins, you know, rip level of getting it off quick and making hard 3s.”



<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_20250731_BUS_451244_Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1024x576_1cf3170f.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" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23164106/Head-coach-Dan-Hurley-of-the-Connecticut-Huskies-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Florida-Gators.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dan Hurley of the Connecticut Huskies </figcaption></figure>



The coach continued to talk about how Ball is one of the best shooters in all of college basketball, and he believes he’s going to build some momentum from last season.



Hurley noted that Ball became stronger and now should focus on finishing at the ring, passing, and defense, to continue to help his team improve. The Huskies have unfinished business in a<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a> season that will definitely be challenging for everybody.

Dan Hurley gushes about UConn’s not-so-secret weapon

Dan Hurley gushes about UConn's not-so-secret weapon - Bolavip US

UConn Huskies women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> team coach Geno Auriemma has always taken coaching extremely seriously. The 12-time national champion has been so successful for a reason, even if many can’t understand his decisions at times.



He’s not going to mince his words about pretty much anything, and he’s going to tell it as it is, even when he might hurt his player’s feelings or it might sound harsh.&nbsp;



During a 2015 interview on “The Geno Auriemma Show” with Kerith Burke, the legendary coach confirmed an old story told by Rebecca Lobo, who said Auriemma made the 1995 national champions watch a VHS recording of their title-winning game in what resulted in a film session.



<h2>Geno Auriemma admitted he had some character flaws</h2>



“I do remember doing that like it was last night,” Auriemma said. “Because when you have some character flaws and you’re emotionally unstable like I am a lot of the time, you can’t put a lid on that stuff all the time.”



<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_20250731_BUS_451245_Geno-Auriemma-1024x576_c1b77816.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-296592" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/19150222/Geno-Auriemma.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Geno Auriemma</figcaption></figure>



Instead of getting mad at him or even clapping back at his comments, his players showed him respect for helping them become better, even after securing a major win.



“Then a couple of them turned around and one of them let me know that I was number one in their life,” Auriemma said. “‘Coach you’re number one. ‘Thanks, I appreciate that.’”



Auriemma is a living legend, and while he might not be the most tender person out there, his ways have clearly worked out just fine for him.

Geno Auriemma once made a major admission about his character

Geno Auriemma once made a major admission about his character - Bolavip US

UConn Huskies sophomore Sarah Strong is set to play her second season in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball,</a> fresh off a national championship win in the 2024-25 NCAA season. The forward played 40 games during her first season, averaging 16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per outing with UConn.



During a conversation with NBC Sports Boston reporter Kayla Burton, Strong credited Geno Auriemma as the main reason why she is 100% motivated whenever she’s on the court.



“I have every reason to go out there and be confident myself, knowing my coaches and staff and teammates believe in me,” Strong said. “So it just gives me extra confidence.”



<h2>Sarah Strong named right leader for UConn</h2>



Strong already showed what she’s capable of during her freshman campaign. The Huskies are still a strong team, with one of the greatest coaches in women’s basketball history and a group of players who already know what it takes to win.&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_20250728_BUS_449679_sarahstrong-1024x576_bdd94f87.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-431994" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/03120618/sarahstrong-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/03120618/sarahstrong-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/03120618/sarahstrong-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/03120618/sarahstrong-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/03120618/sarahstrong-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/03120618/sarahstrong-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/03120618/sarahstrong-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/03120618/sarahstrong.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>UConn’s Sarah Strong</figcaption></figure>



NCAA analyst Mark Zanetto believes Sarah Strong is a better option than Azzi Fudd to become the face of the Huskies now that Paige Bueckers is gone. Strong is younger and has a better offensive game, but Zanetto said Fudd’s marketability might win her the race.



“For me, the sort of visual media marketing face of the team is Azzi Fudd,” Baker said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean I think Fudd is the better player, though she’s a tremendously talented player. I think Sarah Strong’s upside, combined with Azzi’s injury history, makes me think that Strong is the player that’s going to maybe accomplish more by the time she finishes at UConn and could perhaps have a stronger resume than Azzi Fudd.”



Once again, the Huskies are the team to beat. If Strong shows off her evolution, the rest of the division will be in trouble&nbsp;

Sarah Strong explains why Geno Auriemma is the best coach for her

Sarah Strong explains why Geno Auriemma is the best coach for her - Bolavip US

UConn Huskies star Azzi Fudd is preparing for a 2025-26 NCAA season that could be as successful as the last, in which her team went all the way to the national championship and beat the defending champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks, to send Paige Bueckers to the WNBA with the only accolade she missed during her <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> career.



Fudd is now the leader of the squad after an increased role in the 2024-25 season. The guard has already collected several NIL deals during her college career, and the good news doesn’t stop coming her way.&nbsp;



She recently signed another deal, this time with the young 3-on-3 competition Unrivaled, created by former Huskies stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.&nbsp;



<h2>Azzi Fudd had a bigger role on the Huskies last season&nbsp;</h2>



Before Fudd, the league signed Paige Bueckers and Flau’jae Johnson to NIL deals, although they couldn’t play in the competition until they became professional. Bueckers will likely join the competition in 2026, while Fudd and other prospects could follow through in 2027.



<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_20250728_BUS_449670_Azzi-Fudd-1024x576_79b0ac1b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-303322" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/30161438/Azzi-Fudd.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Azzi Fudd</figcaption></figure>



Azzi Fudd had a strong 2024-25 season, in which she played 34 games, twice the number she played in 2022-23 and 2023-24. The Huskies’ star averaged 13.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.&nbsp;



Fudd is expected to be one of the leaders of the squad now that Paige Bueckers is in the WNBA. While some don’t think Fudd is the right choice and favor forward Sarah Strong to be the leader of the team, the guard is set to take over the offense.

Azzi Fudd joins very exclusive club with latest NIL deal

Azzi Fudd joins very exclusive club with latest NIL deal - Bolavip US

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