The 2026 WNBA No. 1 overall pick, Azzi Fudd, impressed with a double-digit outing at Moody Center. But as she continues adjusting to the WNBA, she opened up about the surprising challenge of how quickly even light contact is called a foul.

As the Dallas Wings improved to 2–0 in preseason with a 101–84 win over the Las Vegas Aces, Fudd scored 12 points in 23 minutes on Sunday. However, another topic took center stage during her postgame interview, and it was focused on more than just her offense.

When asked about adjusting to the WNBA's physicality, Azzi Fudd admitted, "Honestly, I feel more confused. Like, I thought you could be physical in the W, and anytime you touch someone, it's a foul."

"So I'm not really sure whether to be physical, whether to—I don't know. So I'm still figuring that out," the 23-year-old added, as seen in a video on X posted by Melissa Triebwasser.

Even though her team won, Fudd sounded a bit irate, and Aziaha James had to playfully console her after her interview answer. For those who missed it, the Wings Guard only picked up two personal fouls in the game, but she clearly did not expect how often fouls would be called.

Though Fudd was annoyed, it is likely something she and others in the league will adjust to. While her adjustment to the league is still a work in progress, the Dallas Wings already seems to have a clear plan for how to bring her along.

Coach Jose Fernandez Backs Azzi Fudd After Debut

After the Dallas Wings’ 95–80 preseason win over the Indiana Fever, focus shifted to Azzi Fudd’s debut, which coach Jose Fernandez addressed postgame.

"She had those three (fouls) right. We tried to get her on some flares and pin downs. She'll be fine. I liked her aggressiveness off the bounce she had on the one that went in-and-out. Get one under her belt and now move on to Sunday," he said.

Fudd started strong against the Indiana Fever with a smooth jumper, but finished with three fouls and made only four points in 16 minutes.

Thus, to ensure Azzi Fudd settles in smoothly, the Dallas Wings are taking a measured approach, easing her into the lineup, letting her play off the ball, move through screens, and find her rhythm, which aligns with her injury history and the expectations around her.

On defense, Fudd held her own and showed early chemistry with Paige Bueckers, and with tougher games ahead, attention will be on how she continues to adjust.

Having said that, is the Dallas Wings right to ease her with a simpler start, or should they give her more responsibility early? What do you think?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Yask Kotak