Through all the skepticism, Azzi Fudd was always going to be the No. 1 pick for Dallas. “We traveled all over the world watching this incredible draft class, but it all came back always to Azzi,” said Curt Miller. “Words that we heard over and over again in the investigation of her were ‘winner,’ ‘competitor,’ and ‘hard worker.’ Obviously, the skill set speaks for itself.” As the UConn star arrives alongside Jose Fernandez, Fudd has already received a clear instruction from one of his former stars.
Jose Fernandez has built one of the top echelons of point guards before. He coached Courtney Williams at South Florida. Under Fernandez, Williams averaged 22.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Now, that same Williams has passed on an important message for Fudd to help in her transition from college basketball to the WNBA.
“Her advice was to do what got you drafted. Don’t go to your team and try to do too much or be someone you’re not. If you got drafted because you’re a good shooter or a great passer, do those things well,” Fudd said on her podcast “Fudd Around And Find Out”. “Don’t do too much, but also don’t lose your confidence and stop doing them.”
Fudd has been drafted as the elite shooter the team desperately needed, especially after the Wings struggled last season. They shot 30.4% from the field, ranking only better than the Connecticut Sun. Fudd is coming off a college season at UConn where she scored a career-high 17.3 points while shooting 48.1% from the floor, 44.7% from three-point range, and 95.5% from the free-throw line.
“We’ve known for a while. Unfortunately, last year we really struggled shooting the ball, particularly from beyond the three-point arc, and that’s exactly what Azzi’s strengths are. She is a great fit for us, along with being a great person,” Wings CEO Gregg Bibb said. “She’ll be a great teammate and a great ambassador for the organization in Dallas.”
So, Fudd’s focus will be on getting her shot right until she finds her rhythm in the WNBA. Once she gains confidence and strings together a couple of good games, she can shift toward improving her weaknesses. Focusing too much on the negatives early could send her into a spiral while adapting to the new league.
Azzi Fudd Reveals the Second Crucial Piece of Her Adaptation Strategy
It will be difficult for Azzi Fudd, as it is for almost every rookie. The WNBA is more physical, skilled, and athletic. Then there are off-court challenges as well. The Wings’ PR team did not let her answer a question regarding Paige Bueckers and their relationship, which caused a firestorm. There will be more spotlight and attention moving forward. While she might fit in on the court, Fudd is also looking to lean on a veteran to help her navigate this transition.
“Find a vet. Get to know your teammates. Find a vet you can learn from and watch, because it’s going to be a lot coming at you. You’re going to be trying to learn, figure out, and navigate a lot, both on the court and off the court,” Fudd said. “Find a vet who has it figured out, someone you can learn from and who can take you under their wing.”
The Wings are largely a young side, but there are a couple of players Fudd can learn from. Arike Ogunbowale is a four-time All-Star who has been with the Wings for six years. She could also take a page out of Paige Bueckers’ book, given their similar journeys—top recruits, injury battles, and eventual No. 1 pick status. They also have Alanna Smith, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, coming from title contenders the Minnesota Lynx. With this support system around her, Fudd has a real chance to make an immediate impact for the Wings.
