UConn Star Azzi Fudd Makes Her Decision on 2025 WNBA Draft

UConn Star Azzi Fudd Makes Her Decision on 2025 WNBA Draft

UConn Huskies’ star guard Azzi Fudd has officially decided to return for another season at Storrs, Connecticut, instead of entering the 2025 WNBA Draft. This announcement came via her Instagram post on Tuesday morning, where she shared: “Hey Gampel, thanks for last night… See you next year,” along with the hashtag “#onemoreyear.”

Fudd, who is already 22 years old and eligible for the WNBA Draft, has been a key player for UConn this season. In the Huskies’ dominant 91-57 victory over No. 10 South Dakota State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, she delivered an impressive performance with 17 points, two steals, and a rebound. Over the season, Fudd has averaged 13.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while shooting an outstanding 45.3% from three-point range, ranking her among the top shooters in the nation.

A Decision Influenced by UConn’s Legendary Coach

Fudd revealed in an interview with ESPN that a conversation with longtime UConn coach Geno Auriemma played a significant role in her decision. Auriemma advised her that she hadn’t yet reached her full potential in college basketball and encouraged her to stay another year.

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

UConn’s Championship Aspirations

With Fudd’s return and the continued dominance of her teammate Paige Bueckers, UConn is now a leading contender for the 2025 NCAA Championship. Their odds have significantly improved, especially after USC’s JuJu Watkins suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the Trojans’ second-round matchup against Mississippi State. However, before setting their sights on a championship run, UConn must first navigate a challenging Sweet 16 matchup against Oklahoma.

A Smart Financial Move?

Many experts believe that Fudd’s decision to defer her WNBA career could be financially beneficial. With the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on the horizon, players entering the 2026 draft are expected to secure higher salaries and improved contract conditions. UConn coach Auriemma emphasized this advantage in a recent interview:

“If (Fudd) stays one more year, she’ll make more money next year when she goes into the draft because they have a new collective bargaining agreement coming up that should pay them more money than if she goes at the end of this year.”

With her talent, efficiency, and growing experience, Fudd is expected to be a high first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, making this extra year at UConn an investment in both her skillset and financial future.

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With her decision made, Azzi Fudd is gearing up for another unforgettable season with the UConn Huskies. Will her return lead UConn to another national title? Basketball fans can’t wait to find out!