UConn Huskies’ Azzi Fudd, Paige Bueckers (Image credits: IMAGN)
UConn guard Azzi Fudd’s struggles with injuries continued as she hurt her knee during Saturday’s game against Louisville. It all went down in the third quarter when Fudd sprained her right knee and stepped out, heading to the locker room. She returned to the bench later but did not play.
When talking to the media during her availability on Tuesday, Paige Bueckers commented on Azzi Fudd’s current state.
“Just as people who know her, who are like family, just for her to have to keep going through these things, even this situation is unfortunate,” Bueckers said (2:10). “It’s just very frustrating because she’s just coming back.
“She’d been looking great the past couple of games. It’s much better that it’s a minor setback, and I know she’s going to stay hungry, stay in the weight room, continue to do everything that she can to get back on the court as soon as possible.”
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Azzi Fudd has never played a healthy season with the UConn Huskies. She missed 11 games as a freshman with a foot injury. Her sophomore year was cut short to 15 games since she struggled with knee injuries.
Fudd then played just two games of her junior year before being sidelined for the remainder of the season with ACL/meniscus tears.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma gives update on Azzi Fudd’s status
Right after Saturday’s game, UConn coach Geno Auriemma gave a brief update, revealing that he hoped it was not a ‘worst-case scenario’ like her previous injuries.
Talking to the media on Tuesday afternoon, Auriemma said that Azzi Fudd’s status was on a day-to-day basis and she would be making a quick return as it was just a minor injury.
“It’s probably the first good news I’ve ever gotten from Dr. Coyner (UConn’s Orthopedic Physician). She was so excited she couldn’t wait to tell me,” Auriemma said.
In the five games that she played this season, Fudd has averaged 10.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists. She was expected to play a key role alongside Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong as they attempt to lead the Huskies on a championship run.
Now, it looks like it will be delayed and UConn will have to rely on other players like Kaitlyn Chen and KK Arnold to deliver the results.
The UConn Huskies have a big game against Notre Dame on Thursday and Fudd is unlikely to play.
