UConn's Azzi Fudd back in March Madness spotlight

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UConn's Azzi Fudd, a key player in the Huskies' 2025 championship run, is back in the March Madness spotlight as the defending national champions begin their title defense. Fudd leads the team in minutes per game and is second in points per game, behind teammate Sarah Strong. The undefeated Huskies (34-0) finished first in the Big East and open the NCAA Tournament against the No. 16 UTSA Roadrunners.

Why it matters

Fudd, a highly touted recruit and basketball prodigy, has overcome significant injuries to become a star for the dominant UConn program. Her performance in the tournament will be closely watched as the Huskies aim to repeat as champions.

The details

Fudd received her first Division I scholarship offer from Maryland in sixth grade and became the youngest player to compete for USA Basketball in an U16 tournament at age 14. She was the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2021 and a McDonald's All-American. Fudd is named after Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Azzi, her mother's favorite player. She also played flag football as a youth, which helped develop her defensive timing and court awareness.

• Fudd and the defending champion UConn women's basketball team begin their NCAA Tournament title defense on March 21 with a first-round game against the No. 16 UTSA Roadrunners.
• Fudd tore her ACL and MCL in her right knee in April 2019 while playing in a USA Basketball event during her sophomore year of high school.
• In November 2023, Fudd tore the ACL in her right knee again and also suffered a medial meniscus tear in practice at UConn, limiting her to two games during the 2023-24 season.