Imagine watching a legend return to the place where their journey began, but this time, they’re not suiting up for the team. That’s the bittersweet reality for UConn’s Azzi Fudd as Paige Bueckers, the WNBA sensation, practices with her former Huskies teammates in Storrs, Connecticut. It’s a week of high stakes for UConn, fresh off a dominating 102-35 win over DePaul, with a showdown against USC looming on Saturday the 13th. And what better way to prepare than by facing one of the WNBA’s brightest stars?
But here’s where it gets emotional: Bueckers’ return isn’t just about basketball. It’s a reminder of her meteoric rise—winning a national championship, starting in the WNBA All-Star Game, snagging Rookie of the Year, and earning a spot on the All-WNBA Second Team in just six months. Now, she’s giving back by sharing her expertise with the team she once led. For Fudd, Bueckers’ girlfriend and current UConn star, the moment is a mix of joy and nostalgia. ‘It’s bittersweet,’ Fudd admits. ‘We miss having her here, but it’s so much fun to see her again. The energy she brings is unmatched, and she makes the red team better, which pushes us to compete harder.’
And this is the part most people miss: Losing a player of Bueckers’ caliber isn’t just a roster change—it’s a seismic shift. UConn has adjusted remarkably, starting the season 9-0 with only one game decided by fewer than 12 points. Fudd credits the team’s collective effort, saying, ‘It’s not one person filling her void; it’s everyone stepping up. Paige did everything—scoring, rebounding, leading—but we’ve come together and played well. If we keep trending upward, we’ll be fine.’
But here’s the controversial question: Can UConn sustain this success without Bueckers’ dominance? Her final season at UConn was nothing short of legendary, averaging 19.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, 4.4 RPG, and 2.1 SPG while delivering the program’s first national title since 2016. In the WNBA, she’s replicated that success with the Dallas Wings, posting nearly identical stats (19.2 PPG, 5.4 APG, 3.4 RPG). Yet, the Wings struggled last season, leaving Bueckers determined to turn things around in her second year.
As Fudd and the Huskies navigate life without Bueckers, her return to Storrs serves as both a reminder of what they’ve lost and a testament to the program’s resilience. ‘It’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity,’ Fudd reflects. ‘We’re growing, and that’s what matters.’
What do you think? Can UConn maintain their dominance without Bueckers, or is her absence too significant to overcome? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to stick with WingsGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Wings throughout the offseason. (https://www.si.com/wnba/wings)
