Wings GM Addresses Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers Pairing After WNBA Draft

Dallas Wings coach and GM discuss reuniting the former UConn teammates on the same WNBA team.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:55pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the abstract forms of basketball players in motion, with sharp geometric planes of color and overlapping perspectives, conveying the dynamic energy of a WNBA game.The anticipated reunion of former UConn stars Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers on the Dallas Wings promises an exciting new chapter in their basketball partnership.Storrs Today

The Dallas Wings selected Azzi Fudd as the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, reuniting her with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers. In a post-draft media session, Wings GM Curt Miller and coach Jose Fernandez addressed the decision to pair the two star players, emphasizing that they see Fudd and Bueckers as individuals who each bring unique strengths to the team.

Why it matters

The pairing of Fudd and Bueckers, who won a national championship together at UConn, has generated significant excitement and anticipation among WNBA fans. However, the Wings' leadership wanted to make it clear that they are focused on Fudd's individual talents and fit with the team, rather than just the chemistry between the two former college teammates.

The details

Miller stated that while Fudd and Bueckers have 'terrific' chemistry and synergy from their time at UConn, the Wings are evaluating them as individual players. He highlighted Fudd's elite shooting ability, quick release, and defensive competitiveness as key reasons for selecting her first overall. Fernandez also noted that he scouted Fudd extensively in Big East games and believes she will provide valuable floor spacing, three-point shooting, and a winning pedigree to the Wings' lineup. The Wings' leadership consulted with current players, including Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, during their decision-making process.

  • Fudd was selected as the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2026.
  • Bueckers was in the crowd to celebrate Fudd's selection, along with other former UConn teammates.

The players

Azzi Fudd

The first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, known for her elite shooting ability, quick release, and defensive competitiveness.

Paige Bueckers

Fudd's former teammate at UConn, who was in the crowd to celebrate Fudd's selection by the Dallas Wings.

Curt Miller

The general manager of the Dallas Wings, who addressed the decision to pair Fudd and Bueckers on the same team.

Jose Fernandez

The head coach of the Dallas Wings, who discussed Fudd's fit and strengths for the team's lineup.

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, whom Fernandez met with to get an in-person look at Fudd playing for the Huskies.

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What they’re saying

“I think first and foremost, you see them differently. You see Paige for who she is, and you see Azzi for who she is. While they're terrific teammates, they won a championship together, they have synergy together, it's about what they both individually bring.”

— Curt Miller, General Manager, Dallas Wings

“The partnership is wonderful, but this night is about Azzi.”

— Curt Miller, General Manager, Dallas Wings

“She brings a lot of what we'll need for our lineup, with floor spacing, quick-release shooting, and three-point shooting. She also comes from a program with a winning tradition, another thing we'll need for the Wings.”

— Jose Fernandez, Head Coach, Dallas Wings

What’s next

The Wings will now focus on integrating Fudd and Bueckers into their lineup and developing their chemistry as teammates in the WNBA.

The takeaway

The Dallas Wings' decision to select Azzi Fudd first overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, reuniting her with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, has generated significant excitement. However, the team's leadership is emphasizing that they see Fudd and Bueckers as individual talents who each bring unique strengths to the team, rather than just focusing on their existing chemistry from college.