With teammate Paige Bueckers sidelined, Azzi Fudd is making her case as the WNBA's top draft pick. 

Paige Bueckers' absence hasn’t really impacted UConn’s stats too much. Because the potential No.1 WNBA Draft pick, Azzi Fudd, does not miss her hoops.

The UConn guard has been managing 17.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. However, her 45.5% three-point shooting is what stands out the most.

Her personal foul rate comes around 1.4%, which is really low given the 2% steal and 1% blocks. And not only that, this is the lowest among any WNBA draft prospect over the last 15 years.

Fudd’s rivals are UCLA Center Lauren Betts and Spanish forward Awa Fam. Betts is averaging 16.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists. While Fam is summing up 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. However, they fall short in three-pointers. As Bett is managing a 57.3 FG%, Fudd is going for 49.2% while shooting beyond the 3P line.

The UConn 35 is also following up Bueckers with a 9.1% turnover rate while being a high-volume shooter. Fudd has suffered ACL and MCL injuries in her career, but that doesn’t seem to impact her game this season.

The Huskies have managed to keep their undefeated 19-0 streak by handing 85-47 to Notre Dame on January 20. Fudd has held up for 37 minutes and scored 15 points with 0 turnovers.

If these numbers don't explain why she would be an Elite No. 1 pick, her Coach's opinion on her might help the debate.

Geni Auriemma praises Azzi Fudd's game

Geno Auriemma had confirmed earlier that Fudd is a lot more than a shooter and has been persistent with her play. “She did not stand on one spot and fire up threes. She scores a lot of different ways. I was happy to see her be so aggressive with the ball”, the coach said at the postgame conference after the UConn-Notre Dame match.

“There’s going to be a lot of games for whatever reason the ball doesn’t go in & you need to figure out a way to put points on the board & I think the more [Azzi] does that, the more people are going to have to respect the fact that she can do that”, he added.

UConn’s roster has a lot of star players who can make a big future in the WNBA. Sarah Strong and KK Arnold are filling up the spot Bueckers left. However, Fudd stands out in a lot of different ways. She impacts the team even when she isn’t getting a shot.

This raises the question: Will the Dallas Wings have the UConn duo in their roster for the upcoming WNBA season, or will Fudd finally play against Bueckers?

Comment down your thoughts below!

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu