The Wings added another Husky to the pack, selecting UConn’s Azzi Fudd No. 1 overall to tip off last night’s 2026 WNBA Draft.
The nation’s top shooting guard prospect, Fudd will reunite with fellow 2025 NCAA champion — and fellow No. 1 pick — Paige Bueckers in Dallas.
“Paige is an incredible player,” Fudd told reporters at the post-draft press conference.
“Everybody knows that she’s someone that makes playing basketball with easy. So I think just the prior experience knowing how to play with her, play off of her, will only help.”
The 23-year-old finished her UConn career shooting 42.2% from the 3-point line and 92.5% from the free-throw line. She additionally averaged 14.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game across 115 NCAA appearances.
“I feel like the advice has mostly been a combination of, one, soak this whole weekend in,” Fudd told PEOPLE from the Orange Carpet.
“You know, it only happens once — it's your moment — so really take it all in. Try to take notes, try to learn, try to just enjoy the moment. And then going forward, be confident, stay true to yourself, do what got you drafted, and also enjoy that moment as well.”
Top Recruits Follow Azzi Fudd in 2026 WNBA Draft 1st Round
Top college and international prospects subsequently lit up the draft lottery. Minnesota took TCU guard Olivia Miles at No. 2 before Seattle took Spanish phenom Awa Fam Thiam at No. 3. Later, Washington picked up UCLA center Lauren Betts at No. 4.
Chicago took the biggest first-round swing. The Sky selected UCLA guard and March Madness hero Gabriela Jaquez at No. 5, after the sleeper pick saw her draft stock rise during the NCAA tournament.
Betts and Jaquez were just two of the record-six Bruins drafted on Monday. Fellow 2026 champions Kiki Rice (Toronto), Angela Dugalić (Washington), Gianna Kneepkens (Connecticut), and Charlisse Leger-Walker (Connecticut) all graced the WNBA Draft stage.
The rookies won’t have much time to celebrate. Now, the new recruits prepare to join their teams for training camp ahead of April 25th’s preseason tipoff.