Paige Bueckers Left Speechless As Azzi Fudd Steals Spotlight In ESPYs With Stunning Look 1 Dec 8, 2022; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) and guard Azzi Fudd (35) on the court as their teammates warm up before the start of the game against the Princeton Tigers at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Paige Bueckers Left Speechless As Azzi Fudd Steals Spotlight In ESPYs With Stunning Look

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 11:45 AM ET

UConn had a big night at the ESPYs in Los Angeles, getting a nod for Best Team after their title run. But Paige Bueckers, their former star and this year’s top WNBA draft pick, wasn’t there. She had her reasons—Dallas had a game—but her presence was felt in another way.

Azzi Fudd, Bueckers’ longtime friend and now-confirmed girlfriend, walked the carpet solo but didn’t go unnoticed. Dressed in purple, Fudd drew attention fast. And Bueckers? She didn’t say much, just reacted on social media with a fire and sweat emoji. That said, enough.

Fans had suspected something between them for years, and late last month, Fudd quietly confirmed it. She posted a photo on IG, phone in hand, with a case that read, “Paige Bueckers’ girlfriend.” No caption, no explanation. Just that. And honestly, that was all it took.

UConn didn’t take home the ESPY—Philly’s Super Bowl-winning Eagles did—but the moment was still a celebration, especially with Fudd standing out.

Dec 7, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) and Connecticut Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrate after the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

Meanwhile in Dallas: Paige Bueckers’ Long Night

While her old team was rubbing shoulders in Hollywood, Bueckers was back in Dallas doing what she does—competing. The Wings had a tough matchup against the Aces, and it turned into a close loss, 90–86.

Bueckers had 20 points and 8 assists, though her shots weren’t falling much—just 9-for-24. Still, in the fourth, she almost flipped the game, scoring 10 and setting up another six points. The rally was real, just came up short.

LOOK: Paige Bueckers, Azi Fudd Grind Practice During Christmas Break 1 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

So yeah, two hits in one night—no ESPY, no win—but Bueckers still found a way to leave her mark. Whether on the floor or just backing Fudd from afar, her impact didn’t go unnoticed.

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

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