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‘Instead of Playing Free’ – Azzi Fudd Challenges Modern Training Culture With Message for Young Girls

Originally posted on TheSheGotGame | By Joy Bassy | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 10:04 AM ET

Ahead of the Huskies’ Final Four game against South Carolina, Azzi Fudd sat down to interact with the press, letting them in on her current state of mind, among other things.

Fudd, during the media session, was asked what she would tell younger girls who look up to her, especially those looking to be a part of the UConn Huskies.

“Yeah, I would say put work in outside of team practices, but then play a lot of one-on-one, just play the game,” Azzi Fudd said. “I feel like a lot of times people are so focused on workouts and specific moves and drills instead of just playing free, playing pick-up, playing one-on-one, and working on your game and your skills.”

She added, “So being able to develop that, learning how to read what your defender is giving you and build your one-on-one game is really key.”

Azzi Fudd shares her advice to young girls looking to develop their game:

"I feel like a lot of times, people are so focused on workouts and specific moves and drills instead of just playing free, playing pickup, playing one-on-one and working on your game and your skills." pic.twitter.com/p78QSXCIty
— UConn Women’s Basketball Videos (@SNYUConn) April 2, 2026

Azzi Fudd had a career-best year with the UConn Huskies this season, averaging 17.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. She also shot a personal-best 49.0% from the field, 45.1% from three-point range, and 95.0% from the free-throw line.

Furthermore, Fudd set single-season career highs in rebounds (80), assists (92), and steals (78), while ranking second nationally in three-pointers made (96).

And while fans wait to see if Fudd will be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, the star Huskies hooper revealed that she isn’t concerned with it, instead making the most of her final days at UConn.

The WNBA Draft Matters to Azzi Fudd, Just Not as Much as Her Final Run with the Huskies

Fudd let the media in on her mindset during the media session, revealing how she has been soaking it all up as her journey in Storrs inches towards its end.

This article first appeared on TheSheGotGame and was syndicated with permission.

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