ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Azzi Fudd is determined to support the Dallas Wings in any way she can as they head into the playoffs, even while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery that prematurely ended her rookie season. The No. 1 overall draft pick expressed her commitment to being a strong presence on the sidelines, serving as a motivated teammate and enthusiastic cheerleader.
Fudd averaged 13.1 points over 30 games, starting her rookie year coming off the bench for the first six games before securing a permanent starting role. Her final appearance came on August 5, shortly after she made history as the first rookie to win the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest.
“It’s definitely not how I envisioned my season wrapping up,” Fudd admitted. “At first, I felt some frustration, but I’ve managed it well mentally and feel at peace knowing this was the right choice.”
Having undergone surgery in Connecticut, where she had a standout collegiate career at UConn, Fudd said she initially experienced knee pain early in the season that subsided but eventually worsened and became unmanageable.
The Dallas Wings, currently riding a four-game winning streak with a 24-16 record and four regular-season games left, have already secured a playoff berth for the first time since 2023. They will face Los Angeles at home on Thursday for their first game back following the FIBA Women’s World Cup break.
Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Paige Bueckers, was also a No. 1 pick and was teammates with Fudd during their 2025 national championship run at UConn before joining the Wings as well.
Reflecting on her rookie year, Fudd expressed pride in how she adapted to the professional level and improved her defense, noting the steep learning curve that comes with playing in the WNBA. “No matter how much advice or preparation you get, nothing truly equates to experiencing it firsthand,” she said.
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Fan Take: Azzi Fudd’s resilience and leadership despite her injury highlight her potential to be a future star in the WNBA. Her determination also symbolizes the growing depth and excitement in the league, fueling hope for even stronger competition and inspiring young fans nationwide.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
