No. 1 Pick Azzi Fudd Shares Honest Assessment of WNBA Debut Performance

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No. 1 Pick Azzi Fudd Shares Honest Assessment of WNBA Debut Performance

Originally posted on TheSheGotGame | By Deblina Roy | Last updated May 2, 2026 1:47 PM ET

While the Dallas Wings achieved a victory over the Indiana Fever in the preseason game, Azzi Fudd recently came up with some self-assessment that can come in handy to improve her performance.

The former UConn Huskies’ star played her first pro-level WNBA game on April 30 in the preseason match. Though her game was marred by foul troubles, the rookie’s quick self-assessment showed how she was planning to level up.

“The biggest thing is the IQ. You have to be locked in every possession. You can’t take an offensive or defensive possession off, and that’s something that’s really stood out,” Fudd shared, per Dallas Hoops Journal. And her main takeaway of the night was, “to stop fouling.”

While Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd had a tough shooting night (4 points, 2-of-7 FG) amid foul trouble, she now has some WNBA game film to learn from.

I spoke with the No. 1 pick before and after her WNBA preseason debut.

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In the Wings’ 95-80 victory over the Fever, Fudd’s contribution was 4 points in a 2-of-7 FG. But the 3 fouls she committed during the first half were an issue. But soon, the 23-year-old diagnosed her flaw, and executed a no-foul 2^nd half.

Next was her veteran-like IQ. Fudd stated how the team could do better with defensive connectivity, reduced foul trouble, and limited turnovers. And shockingly, coach Jose Fernandez analysed the same things.

Even without a blasting game, Fudd showed her potential as the No.1 draft pick. And moving forward, the coach revealed what he wants from Fudd.

Jose Fernandez Wants Aggressive Play From Azzi Fudd

From adjusting to the team, rectifying her errors, and analysing the game with the same prowess as the head coach, Azzi Fudd proved her capabilities right away. And about the 3 fouls, the coach didn’t seem to mind.

“She picked up 3 fouls, but she’ll be fine. We tried to get her involved with flares and pin-downs,” Fernandez explained. “I liked her aggressiveness off the bounce. She had one that went in and out. It’s good to get that first game under her belt and move forward.”

Fernandez looked beyond Fudd’s shot-making results. It was mainly the aggressive play that she had already demonstrated. And the coach knew that the results would balance out sooner or later.

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

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