UConn great Azzi Fudd misses Dallas Wings’ game Tuesday
While some thought the No. 1 decide in final month’s WNBA Draft would begin, as she did in Dallas’ two preseason video games, in her skilled debut the Wings claimed all was nicely and so they did obtain sturdy play from their guards — together with Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale — within the 107-104 victory.
But when Fudd confirmed up on Dallas’ damage report Tuesday as “probable” with a proper knee situation for Wednesday’s house opener towards the Atlanta Dream much more eyebrows have been raised. It solely grew to become extra intense after Fudd was dominated “out” about two hours earlier than the 8 pm EDT opening tip. She watched in road garments because the Dream topped the Wings 77-72.
“I’m not going to get into the minutes situation,” Dallas first-year coach Jose Fernandez stated in his pregame press convention. “Out of an abundance of caution and for her long-term health we’re keeping her out tonight.
“I’m not going to debate something medically with regard to her, what she has performed in observe, what she hasn’t performed in observe. She’s a giant a part of this crew. There’s a motive why we drafted her No. 1, and she or he’s going to have a great season for the Wings.”
Dallas’ three starting guards combined to play 91 minutes with Ogunbowale going 36 minutes, Bueckers 32 and Odyssey Sims 23. Ogunbowale finished with 20 points and Bueckers 15.
The trio played 87 minutes against Indiana.
“Next lady up,” Bueckers told the media pregame. “Obviously (Fudd) is a key piece for us along with her being on the ground and her presence and what she brings offensively and defensively. It will probably be a check for our depth and what we have now coming off the bench. Step up, do not attempt to be Azzi however be the perfect model of your self.”
Aziaha James played 15 minutes and had six points but was 2-for-10 shooting from the floor and missed all five of her 3-point tries.
Fudd, who hit a corner trey for her only points against the Fever, tore the ACL in her right knee while playing in a USA Basketball 3×3 event in 2019 and after playing in only two games of the 2023-24 season at UConn.
After playing only 42 games in her first three seasons in Storrs because of foot and knee injuries, the Arlington, Va., native played in 34 games in 2024-25 in a season that ended with her being the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four and UConn winning the national championship.
She returned for her final year of eligibility and had her healthiest and best year of her college career. Fudd started all 39 games and averaged career-bests of 17.3 points, 3.1 assists and 2.7 steals along with 2.6 rebounds in 28.7 minutes. He shot 48.1 percent from the floor, 44.7 percent from 3-point land and 95.5 percent from the foul line.
For his efforts, Fudd was a consensus first-team All-American to earn the right to be inducted into the Huskies of Honor program at Gampel Pavilion.
On April 14, she became the seventh UConn player to be taken No. 1 in the WNBA Draft, joining Sue Bird (2002), Diana Taurasi (2004), Tina Charles (2010), Maya Moore (2011), Breanna Stewart (2016) and Bueckers (2025).
The Wings host the Minnesota Lynx Thursday.
“It’s a really lengthy season and she or he simply got here off enjoying an extended season,” Fernandez said. “We should put her in positions to achieve success.”
