New York (AFP) – Azzi Fudd was chosen by the Dallas Wings with the number one overall pick in the WNBA draft on Monday in a move that will see the University of Connecticut star reunited on court with girlfriend and former college teammate Paige Bueckers.
Fudd, 23, was chosen by Dallas after leading the UConn Huskies to the final four of the national collegiate championship earlier this month, where they were beaten by South Carolina. Fudd had been chasing a second consecutive national college title after playing alongside romantic partner Bueckers in the Huskies’ 2025 title triumph. Like Fudd, Bueckers was chosen by Dallas with the number one pick in the draft last year.
Related news
“I’m excited to play again with Paige,” Fudd said on Monday after her selection at the WNBA ceremony in New York. “She’s an incredible person, incredible player and it’s gonna be a lot of fun.” Fudd enters the WNBA after an impressive final season in college basketball where she averaged 17.3 points per game, including 117-of-262 three-pointers.
In other draft moves on Monday, the Minnesota Lynx swooped for with the second pick. The Seattle Storm meanwhile opted for towering Spanish star Awa Fam with the third pick, the 6ft 4in (1.93 meters) 19-year-old from Valencia becoming only the seventh international player in WNBA history to be chosen in the top three of the draft.
“I’m super excited and a little bit nervous,” Fam said. “I want to try my best, representing Spain is a little bit special. Being with the national team is always special, and being here in the WNBA was my dream since I was 12.”
© 2024 AFP
