Despite the Dallas Wings starting the season with an 0-4 record, Paige Bueckers remains a strong contender for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Azzi Fudd, her former UConn teammate, praised Bueckers’ overlooked abilities while she attended the Wings’ matchup against the Atlanta Dream last Saturday.

“I feel like Paige is a sneaky good defender,” Fudd shared. “… I also think she’s an incredible passer, and I feel like that’s something that was kind of overlooked a little bit last year. These last couple of games she had what, 10 assists last game, I think? To see her facilitate like she can, it’s going to be fun.”

While Fudd highlighted Bueckers’ defensive prowess, Bueckers illustrated this by making a steal during the game. Although the Wings lost to the Dream 83-75, Bueckers showcased her potential. Despite a challenging shooting performance, going 4 of 15, she finished the game with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Notably, she became the fastest guard since Sue Bird to reach 50 points and 25 assists.

Fudd expressed pride in her former teammate’s accomplishments, sharing:

“It’s been a lot of fun. Just seeing anyone you played with, just being here now watching her live is a moment of pride. I’m super proud of her to see what she is doing, where she’s been. To see her living out her dreams is amazing.”

Fudd has opted to return for another college basketball season, but she is already establishing herself as a fan favorite, with spectators eager to take photos with her, reflecting the same scene when she attended a Wings game in Minnesota on May 21.

Bueckers is scheduled to return to Connecticut on Tuesday for a game against the Sun at 7 p.m. ET.