WNBA News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Newsletter

Azzi Fudd Gives BTS On Her WNBA Draft Look Online 5 Dec 21, 2022; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) on the court as their teammates warm up before the start of the game against the Seton Hall Pirates at XL Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

'Me And Azzie Have A Great Relationship': Paige Bueckers Reacts To Azzi Fudd’s Welcome To WNBA Note

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 7:44 AM ET

From the hardwood of the NCAA to the big stage of the WNBA, Paige Bueckers just reached another major milestone in her basketball journey. On draft night, the UConn superstar was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings—a moment that capped off a legendary college career and launched the start of her next chapter.

Since the draft, Paige Bueckers has received an outpouring of congratulations from fans, athletes, and coaches alike. But one message stood out among the rest: a heartfelt video from longtime UConn teammate and close friend Azzi Fudd.

“Paige, congratulations. I am so, so proud of you,” Fudd said. “This team is so lucky to have you, and I can’t wait to see what incredible things you continue to do in the W… You’re someone that I look up to. You know I’ll always be your number one fan.”

The two guards formed one of the most iconic duos in women’s college basketball, sharing the highs and lows of their careers side by side. They ended their collegiate run on the highest note possible—winning the 2025 National Championship.

“Me and Azzi have a great relationship,” Paige Bueckers shared. “We got a lot of unconditional love for each other. So for her to be here to celebrate with me, it means everything.”

The Dallas Wings later posted a behind-the-scenes video of Bueckers watching Fudd’s message on a phone. Clearly moved, Bueckers repeated, “It means everything,” as she smiled through the emotion.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WNBA (@wnba)

Christmas in April: Dallas Wings Celebrate Paige Bueckers’ Arrival

Moments after drafting her, Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes and general manager Curt Miller couldn’t hide their excitement.

“Paige! Let’s go!” Miller shouted during their first post-draft call. Both he and Koclanes praised her talent and attitude in the post-WNBA draft press conference.

“I’ve been in the league for over a decade, but never had a No. 1 pick,” said Miller. “Today truly felt like Christmas morning.”

First call between @Coachcurtmiller & @paigebueckers1 pic.twitter.com/6Pq7PXPmSX

— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) April 15, 2025

Feb 16, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; UConn Huskies guard KK Arnold (2), guard Azzi Fudd (35) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrate a three point basket against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Koclanes added, “What makes her special is she can fill any gap—on or off the ball—and she’s unselfish about it. As a coach, I’m just excited to figure out what works for her and this team.”

Paige Bueckers, Cooper Flagg Pay Gap Gets Attention From Satou Sabally 11 Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Bueckers era in Dallas has officially begun.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: