STORRS, Conn. — A friendship between Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers blossomed even before they entered high school basketball. When Fudd committed to join Bueckers at the esteemed UConn, which has secured 11 national championships, the two talented guards were anticipated to form an outstanding duo for the Huskies.
However, the reality has been less than ideal as both players have faced significant injuries, limiting them to just 28 out of 131 games together. Their time on the court has been overshadowed by rehabilitation sessions as they battled serious injuries. Unfortunately, both players have continued to miss portions of the current season as well.
As for individual performances, Bueckers is currently averaging 19.4 points and 3.9 assists across 17 games for the sixth-ranked Huskies. Meanwhile, Fudd has averaged 11.5 points in the 13 games she has participated in prior to an upcoming contest against Villanova. Recently, Bueckers marked a significant milestone, becoming the fastest player in program history to score 2,000 career points in just 102 games, eclipsing the previous record of 108 games set by the legendary Maya Moore, with both players contributing 18 points in a dominant 96-36 victory over Seton Hall.
The two athletes first connected in 2017 while contributing to the United States’ victory at the FIBA U16 AmericaCup tournament in Argentina. Their initial bond formed under competitive circumstances, as both were vying for the point guard position on the same team. Fudd recalls her initial thoughts of outpacing Bueckers, joking about feeling secure in her spot. Bueckers chuckled at the memory, admitting she was mainly focused on making the team rather than competition between them. Their shared experiences on the team laid a strong foundation for their friendship, which has only grown in the years since.
The current season has seen Fudd recovering from a knee injury that limited her to just two games initially, and she faced further setbacks in December. When she returned, Bueckers was unfortunately absent for a couple of games. Now, both players are eager to catch up on the missed opportunities together.
“Although things haven’t played out as we initially wished, we can’t change the past,” Bueckers stated, expressing optimism about focusing on the present. “We are doing a fantastic job of remembering to take advantage of the moment we have now and to support each other.”
Bueckers was a top-rated recruit from Minnesota’s Hopkins High School in 2020, while Fudd earned the same recognition after an outstanding run at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., a year later. Over their collegiate careers, they have faced numerous challenges together, with both having appeared on the court for only 15 of 36 games in the 2021-22 season. Unfortunately, due to various injuries, they played just twice across 76 games in the subsequent seasons.
Fudd reflected on the similarities in their journeys, noting how witnessing Bueckers’ determination during her recovery motivated her during her own rehabilitation process. “Going through similar situations has drawn us closer,” Fudd observed. “Seeing her strength while she was injured inspired me to push myself to fill her shoes.” Both athletes have relied on each other for support in navigating their respective recovery journeys.
Bueckers has emerged as a serious contender for national player of the year this season, showcasing her skill and determination. For Fudd, regaining form has been challenging, though she is beginning to find her rhythm with an average of 18.8 points in her last four games. “I am continuing to adapt to the flow of our offense and reconnect with my teammates,” Fudd said. “I’m reminding myself to stay mentally confident and control what I can on the defensive end.”
Fudd is undeniably a player to keep an eye on. UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma has expressed confidence in her potential, stating, “Whenever she’s out there, she’s always a threat for hot streaks that can change the game.” He believes it may take some time, but she will regain her shooting prowess.
