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Paige Bueckers Confirms Dating Best Friend and UConn Teammate Azzi Fudd

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Joseph Varghese | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 10:53 AM ET

Before Caitlin Clark became the best player in college basketball, it was her fellow draft classmate, Paige Bueckers, who was touted as the next elite generational talent. The UConn star was supposed to be the next shining light that would guide women’s sports onto the next horizon.

Injuries stopped her from making progress after her stellar freshman season. Even after she came, Bueckers did not have enough time to regain her status as the best player. After all, Clark had developed into an elite scorer and passer who captivated fans at that time.

Bueckers had to wait another year to prove she was one of the best cornerstone talents to come through this golden generation of women’s basketball players. Finally, she won the NCAA National Championship for UConn before moving to the WNBA.

Now, as a pro, fans have seen her take over a poor Dallas Wings squad and make them exciting enough to garner a lot of new fans. Her performances were good enough to make her the 1st rookie to ever become an All-Star starter.

She, along with her All-Star teammates, made their way to the orange carpet, posing for photos and speaking with reporters. When it was Bueckers’ turn, a reporter asked her several questions about her (NCAA) D1 girlfriend.

The reporter did not use this supposed girlfriend’s name. However, some questions started to reveal who she was referring to. At the end, the reporter directly asked the Dallas Wings guard to reveal who it was, and she replied:

Azzi Fudd.
Paige Bueckers replied

ALRIGHT I GOT YALL pic.twitter.com/o3yvEallyc
— maddy (@isomaddy) July 18, 2025

This is the first time the 23-year-old has publicly confirmed that her former UConn Huskies teammate Azzi Fudd was her girlfriend. This brings the curtains down on months of speculation, as fans believed the two best friends were indeed dating.

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd’s relationship dates back to their high school days

Paige Bueckers first met Azzi Fudd at the USA Basketball U-16 trials before the 2017 FIBA Under-16 Women’s Americas Championship. Initially, they were vying for a spot and felt they could play better than the other.

Once they were both selected, their chemistry was instant. In an interview with W Slam 3 years ago, Bueckers revealed that after winning gold, Fudd flew back with her to her hometown of Minnesota.

Spending time with each other saw them become best friends. When the older Bueckers committed to UConn, Fudd did the same. The two became back-to-back No. 1 recruits to join the Huskies women’s basketball program.

When Azzi Fudd struggled with injuries, her best friend was there beside her. When it was Paige Bueckers’ turn, Fudd was there to give her encouragement. These close friends became champions together last season, completing a goal they both set out to achieve.

The younger UConn star could have tagged along with Bueckers to the WNBA this season. She had just proved her worth in their NCAA Championship run and might have been drafted in the top 7. However, she chose to prove she is worth her No. 1 recruiting rank and try next season.

Azzi Fudd will not be picking Paige Bueckers’ shoes for All-Star game

Before confirming that the two best friends were dating, Paige Bueckers had subtly given hints of their close bond. On many an occasion, she revealed that Azzi Fudd was responsible for picking out her outfits as well as the shoes that she wears in games.

Now, as it is the All-Star weekend, her girlfriend will not be able to select what shoes Bueckers will wear. When speaking with reporters after the orange carpet walk, she revealed how Fudd will have to step aside this weekend.

She’s not picking the shoes for Saturday, Nike picked them.
Paige Bueckers said

Azzi Fudd doesn't have to worry about picking out Paige Buecker's All-Star kicks pic.twitter.com/6Ev4OwW6tD
— ESPN (@espn) July 18, 2025

Nike had inked the Dallas Wings star to a multi-year extension last year. She is set to receive her signature shoe after Caitlin Clark gets hers in 2026. Since it is the All-Star weekend, Nike will probably be giving her a special PE to wear, which is why Fudd will not be the one to decide.

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

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