The UConn Huskies look strong after impressive victories over Arkansas State and South Dakota State, advancing to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Star guard Azzi Fudd announced she will return for a fifth season instead of joining teammate Paige Bueckers in the upcoming WNBA Draft. Fudd was the top recruit in 2021, but her progress was hampered by injuries, limiting her to 15 games as a sophomore and cutting her junior season short due to a torn ACL. This season, she has made a significant comeback, averaging 13.4 points along with 2.0 rebounds and shooting split efficiencies of 48.6% overall, 45.3% from beyond the arc, and 92.6% from the free-throw line.

Although she could have entered the draft, she wants to develop further at UConn. Fudd stated that she aims to ‘work on everything I need to work on.’ This decision also aligns financially, with the new WNBA rookie contract set to become more lucrative starting in 2026.