Why is Azzi Fudd Not Enterting The WNBA Draft?

Shining with 19 points in the Final Four against UCLA, Azzi Fudd helped UConn to a commanding win and advance to the championship game. The Huskies guard’s play through the 2025 NCAA Tournament is proof of the player she has developed into. In every big moment, Fudd lived up to the task, and her journey back to dominance following numerous injuries throughout her collegiate career has certified her as one of the promising players in women’s basketball.

Despite being projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Fudd will be staying at UConn for another year. A decision that’s generated both curiosity and praise from fans and pundits alike. Let’s dive into more details.

Explaining Azzi Fudd’s WNBA Draft Decision

Azzi Fudd’s reasoning behind her decision to stay out of the WNBA Draft is part of her desire to hone her game and partially because of the unfinished job she has at UConn. In an interview with ESPN, Fudd said she thinks another year in the college game will allow her to “work on everything I need to work on”.

Even though she could declare for the draft and would almost certainly land a sizable contract, Fudd feels she hasn’t scratched the surface of her potential in a UConn jersey. Injuries have limited her playing time over the years, and Fudd wants to leave the college game knowing she was at her best.

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Fudd said she also valued having a true offseason to work on her skills—something she wouldn’t have if she went straight into the majors. “Paige is going to be gone, so I can’t rely on her to speak and do all that [leadership] stuff, on and off the court,” Fudd said. Emphasizing on the role, she added, “I will have to be in that position.” Of course, it’s a big responsibility, nevertheless one she’s willing to shoulder.

How did Geno Auriemma play a role in Azzi Fudd’s return?

The decision to stay back isn’t Fudd’s alone—HC Geno Auriemma played a key role in guiding her. Known for his honest and no-nonsense approach, Auriemma told Fudd that she hadn’t yet reached her full potential at UConn. “I would say 10 games, maybe, you’ve played to your full potential of who Azzi Fudd really is,” he told her. His words hit home, and Fudd admitted that he was right.

But Auriemma didn’t stop there. Guess what he said? He pointed out that staying another year could actually boost Fudd’s draft stock, especially with the new collective bargaining agreement coming to the WNBA in 2026. That entails—higher salaries for players entering the league. But beyond the financial side of things, Auriemma is excited to see what Fudd can do with a full, injury-free season. He believes that another year at UConn will remind everyone why she was such a highly rated recruit coming out of high school.

Ultimately, the young guard’s choice to remain at UConn for her senior campaign isn’t simply about playing another year of college hoops. It signifies a commitment to being ready for the next level in all facets, from a physical standpoint and on-court production, to her growth as a leader, and raising her draft stock. Fudd’s decision is indicative of just how much she’s willing to invest in herself and lean into the process of developing into a refined talent before entering the WNBA.

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