The UConn Women’s Basketball team has added another star player to their roster, as Azzi Fudd, a senior at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., was recently ranked the No. 1 prospect in the nation by ESPN.
Fudd, a 5-foot-11 guard, is considered one of the most talented high school players in recent memory. She averaged 26.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game during her junior year, leading her team to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship. Fudd is also a gold medalist, having played on the USA Basketball U16 and U17 National Teams.
UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma commented on Fudd’s talent and potential impact on the team, saying, “Azzi is someone who can do it all. She can score from anywhere on the court, she can create for others, she can defend multiple positions. She’s going to be a really special player for us at UConn.”
Fudd chose UConn over several other high-profile programs, including Notre Dame, UCLA, and Maryland. She explained that the decision ultimately came down to the culture and the winning tradition at UConn.
“I think the biggest thing for me was just the history of the program, and how they develop players not just on the court but off the court as well,” Fudd said. “The way they prioritize academics and athletes being well-rounded people is really important to me.”
Fudd’s addition to the UConn roster has generated buzz and excitement among fans and analysts, who believe she could help the team return to their dominant ways after a few years of relative struggle. The Huskies failed to make the Final Four in each of the past two seasons, the first time that had happened since the 2005-2006 season.
However, Fudd is joining a team that already boasts several talented players, including sophomore guard Paige Bueckers, who was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player as a freshman last season. Fudd said she is excited to join the talented group and hopes to learn from her new teammates.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone and learning from them. There are so many great players on this team, and I know I have a lot of work to do to earn my place among them,” Fudd said.
The UConn Women’s Basketball team has won 11 national championships under Auriemma’s leadership, and with the addition of Fudd, they are poised to compete for another title. Fudd will join the team next season and will undoubtedly be a player to watch as she continues to develop her skills and contribute to the team’s success.