"He's too old for this trauma": Fans poke fun at Geno Auriemma after promising Azzi Fudd injury update

Fans reacted as Geno Auriemma breathed a huge sigh of relief after Azzi Fudd appeared to escape serious injury in the No. 2 UConn Huskies' 85-52 win over the No. 22 Louisville Cardinals on Saturday night.

Fudd went down with an injury after bumping knees with Louisville's Olivia Cochran while trying to fight through a screen.

Connecticut Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) reacts after scoring a three-pointer during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Barclays Center. Photo: Imagn

Azzi Fudd looked in pain as she went straight to the locker room to get her injury checked.

That scene gave UConn fans major flashbacks, as Fudd was just coming off a year-long absence because of a torn ACL in her right knee. She suffered the injury during practice on Nov. 14 last year, forcing her to miss all but two of the Huskies' games in the 2023-24 NCAA season.

Fudd eased her team's concerns when she returned to the bench in good spirits shortly after the injury scare. Auriemma was among those relieved to see Fudd's return, giving Fudd a huge hug while they both sat on the sideline.

College hoops fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to Auriemma and Fudd's heartwarming scene.

"Geno probably asked Azzi if she's trying to give him a heart attack. At his age, he's too old for this trauma," one fan joked.

"Geno hugged Azzi y'all. Everybody loves that girl so bad. We are all rooting for you sister."

"Geno loves Azzi so bad. She's totally the people's princess."

Here are some other reactions.

"Azzi is Geno’s fav player. Like there’s no denying that," one fan shared.

"Geno and Azzi omg. Aww glad to see she’s smiling," another fan posted.

"Geno just went to sit and hug Azzi on the bench and she had a huge smile on her face. Hoping that’s a really good sign," one user wrote.

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Geno Auriemma shares Azzi Fudd injury update in press conference

Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma calls directions during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals at Barclays Center. Photo: Imagn

Auriemma talked about the injury in the post-game press conference, saying that he thinks Fudd avoided the "worst case scenario." He added that Fudd was "walking around fine," but they'll know more about the injury when they get back to Storrs.

Losing Azzi Fudd to injury again would be a massive blow to the Huskies, who have started the season 8-0. Fudd is one of the reasons why UConn remains unbeaten, averaging 10 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists through five games.

She matched her season-high in the win against Louisville, scoring 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting.