The 2024-2025 season was nothing short of spectacular for UConn. The Huskies built an imposing presence against their rivals, compiling an impressive 37-3 record. That dominance carried them to an 18-0 sweep in Big East play and culminated in a national championship, where they routed South Carolina 82-59 to secure their 12th NCAA title.
Central to this historic run was Azzi Fudd. Her impactful return from a torn ACL suffered in November 2023 proved decisive; she delivered 24 points and five rebounds in the title game, earning Most Outstanding Player honors.
Across more than 34 appearances, Fudd averaged 13.6 points on 47.4/43.6/91.7 shooting splits, adding 2.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Paige Bueckers, meanwhile, led the Huskies with 19.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per contest over 38 games, guiding UConn to the national crown before declaring for the WNBA draft and being selected by the Dallas Wings.
Fudd’s comeback story was intertwined with Bueckers’ support. In a recent interview, Fudd described how Bueckers invited her to Athletes in Action meetings on campus, a student-athlete ministry Fudd had quietly attended since her sophomore year. Witnessing Bueckers’ own agility on the court after recovering from the same injury inspired Fudd to persevere through her grueling rehab. Observing how Bueckers interacted with teammate Ice Brady also helped Fudd manage the emotional weight of recovery.
At first, it was like, ‘I want that,’ but I was comparing what I was doing to them, and I was trying to force it too much.” … “When I got hurt again, it was really hard. Not that I hit rock bottom, but I was at a low point.
Fudd told CT Insider.
Raised in a religious household, Fudd admitted faith was never her main driver. Instead, she credited Bueckers’ example as the catalyst that propelled her forward.
Speculation about a romance between Bueckers and Fudd
The pair met at age 16 and forged a friendship that, this year, evolved into a relationship. Fudd even made the romance public in playful fashion, wearing a T-shirt reading “I HEART PB” at a Dallas Wings game. Later, a viral story surfaced featuring a phone case declaring her as Paige Bueckers’ girlfriend.
Their close bond, developed during years as UConn teammates, eventually blossomed into love-an evolution that has delighted fans. With this personal connection fueling her, Bueckers enters the next chapter of her career with renewed motivation to give her best effort in every game. The support is crucial for every person, and it is more important if it is from a significant person. That’s why now Bueckers will have more power in her shots, helping her team to win every game.
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