WATCH: UConn star Azzi Fudd shows off new hairstyle as she dons black gown to support Paige Bueckers at 2025 WNBA draft

Modified Apr 14, 2025 23:30 GMT

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Azzi Fudd may be returning to UConn next season, but that doesn't mean she's missing out on the 2025 WNBA Draft. The Huskies star stepped out for Monday's event to support teammate and friend Paige Bueckers, who is the projected No. 1 pick.

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Stylist Brittany Hampton shared all the details of Fudd's draft day look on her Instagram story. Before Fudd hit the orange carpet, Hampton posted a photo of the guard sitting in a robe as a team worked on her hair and makeup.

Fudd's final look consisted of a floor-length black dress by Christopher Esber paired with jewelry from Kay Jewelers and Bondeye Jewelry and a Movado watch. The UConn star carried a white purse and wore her long, dark hair down and curled.

Stylist Brittany Hampton shares the details of Azzi Fudd's WNBA Draft outfit

Huskies teammates Fudd and Bueckers posed together on the WNBA Draft's orange carpet, presented by Coach. Bueckers had a stylish look of her own, showing up for her big day in a sparkly three-piece suit with black loafers and a matching black purse. Her hair, which is usually in her iconic ponytail with two braids, was wavy.

Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers pose on the WNBA Draft orange carpet

Azzi Fudd's decision to return to UConn

Fudd, like Bueckers, was eligible for the 2025 WNBA Draft. However, she announced on March 25 that she would forgo the draft and return to UConn for her fifth and final season of college eligibility.

The guard did not provide an official statement but told ESPN that returning will allow her to “work on everything I need to work on” and take her game to the next level ahead of the 2026 WNBA Draft.

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Fudd's college career has been plagued by injuries. Before this year, she had never appeared in more than 25 games in a season due to being sidelined by injury. As a junior, she played just two games before tearing her ACL. The guard stayed healthy for the majority of this season and was finally able to put her skill set on display.

In her senior season, Fudd averaged 13.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game and served as a two-way force with 1.4 average steals. She played her best basketball in the postseason, helping guide UConn to its first national title since 2016. Fudd's dominance in March Madness led to her being named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 Women's Final Four.

Now, Fudd will return for one more college season before serving as a WNBA draftee herself next year.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by John Maxwell