Geno Auriemma winks while hinting towards good news for Azzi Fudd

UConn coach Geno Auriemma endured a difficult 2023-24 season, as key players suffered season-ending injuries. Among them was Azzi Fudd, who tore the ACL and meniscus in her right knee during a practice session on Nov. 14 last year.

After a year on the shelf, Fudd returned to the court in the Huskies' game against the FDU Knights on Nov. 20. She seemed to be back to her best in the Huskies' final game of the Baha Mar Women's Championship in the Bahamas on Wednesday, scoring 18 points in their convincing 73-60 win over the No. 18 Ole Miss Rebels.

While she has appeared in No. 2 UConn's last three games, she is yet to make a start this season. Earlier Tuesday, Auriemma was quizzed about Fudd's involvement in the starting lineup for the Huskies' home game against the Holy Cross Crusaders on Tuesday, to which he gave a subtle yet simple response, which was followed by a wink.

"I think that’s a good assumption," Auriemma said.

Fudd started against Holy Cross.

Fudd was one of UConn's top stars in her freshman and sophomore seasons despite various injuries riddling her college basketball career. She emerged as one of the top scorers for Auriemma, with fans dubbing her the "People's Princess."

Despite suffering a foot injury in her freshman season, Fudd averaged 12.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 25 appearances. She then suffered a knee injury in her sophomore season, which reduced her appearances. Despite that, she averaged 15.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 1.8 apg in 13 games.

Geno Auriemma enjoys strong start to 40th season at UConn

Geno Auriemma and UConn have strengthened their credentials to end their nine-year national championship drought. They have won all six of their games this season, which includes victories over No. 16 North Carolina and No. 18 Ole Miss.

Geno Auriemma made history in UConn's game against FDU.

In November, Auriemma became the winningest coach in men's and women's college basketball history, with the Huskies' 85-41 drubbing of the FDU Knights being his 1,217th Division I win.

The Huskies took on the Crusaders in front of a sold-out crowd at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on Tuesday.