Connecticut Huskies guard Azzi Fudd has decided to return for her final year of college eligibility, opting to delay entering the 2025 WNBA Draft, according to [Alexa Philippou of ESPN](https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44400274/azzi-fudd-passing-wnba-draft-another-year-uconn). A former top high school recruit from Arlington, Va, Fudd was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 draft had she declared. Her decision reflects a commitment to further developing her game and helping lead UConn back to national title contention.
Fudd’s college career has been marked by elite shooting ability and strong two-way play, though injuries have limited her time on the court. Most recently, she suffered a [torn ACL in November 2023](https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38959357/uconn-azzi-fudd-season-torn-acl-meniscus), cutting short her junior season. Despite setbacks, she remains one of the most skilled guards in the nation.
By returning, Fudd gains a full offseason to rehab and sharpen her game, while UConn benefits from returning a key veteran presence on a roster loaded with talent and ambition — even with Paige Bueckers likely going No. 1 in this year’s WNBA Draft. For the Washington Mystics, I don’t see Fudd’s decision really affecting the Mystics much either way because Fudd was not projected to be a Top six overall pick. The Mystics are scheduled to pick No. 3, No. 4 and No. 6 overall.