Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd's incredible teamwork for the UConn Huskies' got both of them nominated for the Naismith POY. And while describing her thoughts about the feat, Fudd didn't forget mentioning the UConn graduate, Paige Bueckers, who also bagged the award.

With the NCAA Final Four match against the South Carolina Gamecocks lying ahead, an X update from Naismith Awards' official account displayed Fudd's remarks about her experience of sharing the court with Strong and Bueckers, who is now a stalwart of the Dallas Wings side.

The UConn No. 35 said, "I mean, it’s been an honour to play with players like Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong who won this award (POY), there is no one more deserving than the two of them."

"Super proud of Sarah this year," Azzi Fudd added. And why wouldn't she be?

Strong has been outstanding this season, and hence, she left Fudd behind to bag the 2026 Naismith POY trophy as the best player of the season in women’s college basketball.

The UConn No. 21 averaged 19.3 points in 27.2 minutes, proving her efficiency, while also contributing as a playmaker with 4.3 assists and strong defense.

With this, she became just the 11th player to win the Naismith Trophy at both the high school and college levels, after first winning it in 2024. The UConn graduate-turned Dallas Wings star, Bueckers, won the honor in her freshman year, in 2021.

Fudd also made it clear how much work goes on behind the scenes, crediting both players for their daily effort and leadership.

"I am sure people know, but what we see every single day in practice and games is that they are the hardest workers, the best leaders, they make all of us, everyone around them, better, no matter what," Fudd said, before adding, "It’s a privilege to play with them and get to share the court with them."

While Fudd continues to praise her teammates and their success at UConn, attention is already shifting toward what comes next for her.

Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers Spark Dallas Talk

Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers went public slowly, but the attention grew fast, especially with Fudd projected as the No. 1 pick and the Dallas Wings holding that selection.

“I mean, maybe,” Azzi Fudd said last month, with a smile when asked about the possibility of joining Bueckers in Texas and forming a backcourt duo again.

The last time they played together, they won the 2025 NCAA championship, beating South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball, led by Dawn Staley. That season, Bueckers averaged 19.9 points per game, while Fudd added 13.6.

Beyond that title run, the duo also helped UConn Huskies women's basketball reach multiple NCAA tournaments, building strong on-court chemistry along the way.

That chemistry could be exactly what Dallas is looking for as they aim to build a championship-contending team around Bueckers.

“I think just from a bird’s eye view, you would say Azzi is the number one pick. The synergy that she has with Paige on the court when they play great together,” Diana Taurasi said during an appearance on NBC Sports.

As the season nears its end, the pressure is high, and for Azzi Fudd and the UConn Huskies women's basketball, there’s no room for mistakes in March Madness, especially with WNBA scouts watching closely.

So, do you think Fudd will ultimately join Bueckers under the Wings'?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Souvik Roy