"I'm hype af": Fans go crazy over Azzi Fudd's hairstyle as UConn star returns to warm up before Huskies take on JuJu Watkins' USC

Azzi Fudd missed the last three games due to a minor knee sprain she sustained against Louisville. The guard's season began late as she missed last year's campaign with a torn ACL and was taking a cautious approach for her return to court.

The UConn Huskies are preparing to take on the USC Trojans in a battle of the titans on Saturday. Pre-game pictures posted by the team on X showed Azzi Fudd out on the floor with her teammates, participating in a shoot-around.

The guard was photographed with braids that she usually sports on her game days and this has led many fans to believe that Fudd will be suiting up against the Trojans.

"The braids are IN I'm hype af," one fan wrote.

"YESSS AZZII FUDDDD IS PLAYING BB TODAY," another excited fan commented.

"Legacy game," another wrote

Azzi Fudd and Ashlynn Shade were included in the post and fans made their predictions for each player. Shade is coming off an exceptional game against Iowa State on Thursday where she scored 27 points.

"Azzi with the braids ? yeah we takin this w," a fan wrote

"Boutta get a calm 17 from these two. 17 EACH," a fan predicted

"Oh easy dub with Azzi back," another predicted

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UConn coach Geno Auriemma's comments on Azzi Fudd's return

UConn coach Geno Auriemma has been careful with Azzi Fudd's return after her ACL injury last year. During a press conference on Friday, Auriemma spoke of his guard's return, saying:

"I think the word is ... questionable? Probable? Doubtful? I think the word is doable. It can happen. I'm saying there's a chance. In my best Jim Carrey. I'm saying there's a chance. Yeah, yeah. I know she wants to play."

Fudd joined the Huskies in 2021 and was predicted to be one of the core pieces for the Huskies, playing alongside Paige Bueckers. However, the guard has struggled with injuries every season. In the five games she played this season, she's averaged 10.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

The two teams have played each other thrice and the Huskies have won every game. Their last clash was in the Elite Eight round of March Madness which UConn won 80-73. Going by history, Geno Auriemma's team has a better chance of winning but the Trojans have made major changes to their line-up that could help them finally take a win.