Who is Azzi Fudd? What the No. 1 pick brings to the Dallas Wings

When the Dallas Wings went on the clock with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, the choice seemed inevitable, but no less fascinating.

Azzi Fudd, one of the most talked-about players in women’s college basketball over the past four years, heard her name called first, beginning the next chapter of a career defined by elite talent, resilience, and sky-high expectations.

Azzi Fudd: A generational shooter with star pedigree

Fudd entered college at University of Connecticut as one of the most decorated recruits in recent memory. Known for her smooth shooting stroke and advanced offensive skill set, she quickly established herself as one of the most dangerous perimeter scorers in the country.

At her best, Fudd is widely considered one of the purest shooters in the game, capable of stretching defenses well beyond the arc while also creating her own shot off the dribble. Her ability to score efficiently at all three levels made her a cornerstone player during UConn’s championship run in 2025 and a consistent focal point for opposing defenses.

Overcoming injuries and adversity

While Fudd’s talent has never been questioned, her college career wasn’t without challenges. Injuries disrupted multiple seasons, forcing her to miss significant time and raising questions about durability at the professional level.

Still, each time she returned, Fudd showed that same elite scoring ability that made her a top prospect in the first place, ultimately doing enough to solidify her status as the top pick in this year’s draft.

International success with Team USA

Beyond college, Fudd also built an impressive list of accomplishments on the international stage. She won three gold medals with USA Basketball at the youth level, including the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup and 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

Her performances in international competition further showcased her ability to excel against elite global talent.

Reunion in Dallas

One of the most intriguing storylines following the draft is Fudd’s reunion with Paige Bueckers, her former UConn teammate and the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year and current girlfriend. The two publicly confirmed their relationship in 2025 and now begin their WNBA careers as teammates with the Wings.

The duo helped lead UConn to a national championship and now form one of the most anticipated young backcourts in the league. Dallas is betting on chemistry, star power, and the idea that two proven winners can accelerate the franchise’s timeline.

Fudd enters the league with a skill set tailor-made for today’s game. She is an elite perimeter shooter, strong off-ball movement, has a high basketball IQ, and proven ability in big moments. If she can stay healthy, she has the potential to develop into a franchise centerpiece and one of the league’s premier scorers.

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