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The UConn Huskies are looking for a new player to step up and lead their roster. Paige Bueckers moved over to the WNBA in April, and her close friend and fellow guard Azzi Fudd is up for the challenge.
Fudd, 22, was regarded by some as the Huskies second or third option last season as Bueckers led them on both ends of the court under longtime head coach Geno Auriemma. However, during a recent interview, Fudd seemed eager to make necessary adjustments to her play style as the team's presumed focal point.
“I think taking it progressively and one step at a time and saying the things I see, whether it’s starting with my stuff on defense or offense when I see a screen,” Fudd told reporters. “And taking it progressively to act when I see to tell them to do this or you should do that when we call huddles.”
Azzi Fudd discusses how she's adapting to becoming a more vocal leader with next season's UConn squad:
— Storrs Central (@StorrsCentral) June 24, 2025
"I think taking it progressively, so one step at a time... We've been playing a lot more pickup, and I think that's been really helpful for me at least." pic.twitter.com/aDx4MjaOpV
The Huskies are preparing for this upcoming season by consistently training together throughout the summer to learn each other's skill sets. “We’ve been playing a lot more pickup, and I think that’s been really helpful for me at least to have my team, and then we have our teammates before and after during the game, and let’s do this and cut here,” Fudd added.
As training continues and the start of the season approaches in the fall, Fudd is expected to play a more significant role as one of UConn’s more experienced guards. But it could take her a little while to adjust, especially without Bueckers, who now plays in the WNBA for the Dallas Wings.
“It’s a learning process,” Fudd concluded. “I’m going to get better.”
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