The Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd, standout guard from the UConn Huskies, with the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft, marking an emotional reunion with Paige Bueckers after helping lead the program to the 2025 national championship.
“I’m excited to play with Paige again,” Fudd told Holly Rowe on ESPN after hearing her name called. “She’s an incredible person and an incredible player. It’s going to be so much fun.”
Dallas chose Fudd over top prospects like Lauren Betts (UCLA), Olivia Miles (TCU) and Awa Fam (Spain), reinforcing what had been heavily suggested all weekend: she was their target for the top pick in the WNBA Draft – a position they also held last year.
Did the Wings draft Fudd because of her relationship with Bueckers?
This is the question dominating WNBA conversations. While there was no clear-cut No. 1 selection in this class, Fudd has long been viewed as one of the elite WNBA prospects.
It’s possible the franchise consulted its franchise player, but the decision also stands firmly on basketball merit. Fudd is widely regarded as one of the best three-point shooters in women’s basketball, with the ability to deliver immediate impact at the professional level.
When did Fudd and Bueckers first connect?
The exact timeline of their relationship remains private, but their story dates back to 2017, when they met at Team USA tryouts during high school. From there, they built a strong bond that evolved over time.
In 2025, they publicly confirmed their relationship, though both have maintained a relatively low profile off the court – something that will now be tested under the brighter spotlight of the WNBA stage.
With talent, chemistry, and history on their side, the Fudd-Bueckers pairing instantly becomes one of the most intriguing storylines in the league.
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