Is UConn's Azzi Fudd eligible for 2025 WNBA draft? 

UConn Huskies senior guard Azzi Fudd is one of the most promising stars in women's college basketball. However, her frequent injuries have prevented her from reaching her full potential.

When healthy, the 5-foot-11 Arlinton, Virginia native has proven to be a shooting threat and solid player. She redshirted her entire junior season due to an ACL injury and was out for the first few games of this season.

Fudd returned to the court in the Huskies' 85-41 win over Fairleigh Dickinson on Nov. 20. However, she suffered another setback suffering a minor knee sprain against Louisville on Dec. 7 and missed a few more games.

Basketball fans are wondering whether Fudd will be eligible to declare for the 2025 WNBA draft.

Is Azzi Fudd eligible for 2025 WNBA draft?

The short answer is yes — Azzi Fudd is eligible for next year's WNBA draft. As per the draft rules, college players become eligible for the draft after their college eligibility ends. This means that Fudd, who enrolled at UConn in 2021, will be able to enter the 2025 WNBA draft.

Additionally, Fudd meets the WNBA's age eligibility requirement, which states that players must turn 22 years old in the calendar year of the draft. She turned 22 last November so she will be able to make the jump to the WNBA next year.

Despite the injury history, ESPN's initial mock draft has ranked Azzi Fudd as the No. 3 overall prospect behind her UConn teammate Paige Bueckers and USC Trojans' Kiki Iriafen.

If Fudd can stay healthy and continue to develop her game, she has the potential to be one of the top selections in the draft. ESPN projected her going to the Chicago Sky with the No. 3 overall pick to partner with Angel Reese.

Azzi Fudd returns to UConn's lineup against USC

Azzi Fudd, who was out for three games following a minor knee sprain, returned to action for the Huskies on Dec. 21 against the USC Trojans. She played eight minutes off the bench in UConn's 70-72 loss, recording one rebound, one assist and one block.

Coach Geno Auriemma, along with the entire Huskies fanbase, has been waiting for Fudd to return to full health, as she has shown glimpses of brilliance when fit.

"I think [Azzi] is obviously a high-level elite player, and I do believe that when we get her 100% healthy and ready to go, that certainly enhances our team tremendously," Auriemma said.

Fudd has managed to play only six games so far this campaign, averaging 8.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists through 17.3 minutes per game.

Fudd and Co. will be back in action on Sunday when they host the Providence Friars at XL Center.