Azzi Fudd’s journey to NCAA stardom has never been a smooth ride. Between battling through injuries and enduring the immense pressure that comes with the expectations of being a highly touted player, Fudd has had to fight for every bit of momentum she’s built. However, in a dazzling display on Sunday night, Fudd delivered the kind of performance that silences doubts and earns respect from some of the biggest names in basketball, including Caitlin Clark, who led Iowa to a hard-fought victory in the Women’s Final Four against UConn earlier in the week.
Fudd’s performance in the championship game against the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks was nothing short of legendary. She dropped 24 points, grabbed five boards, and snatched three steals. Her all-around contribution helped propel the Huskies to victory, and her individual effort earned her the game’s MVP honors.
As soon as the game ended, the basketball world took notice. Among those showing respect for Fudd was Caitlin Clark, the reigning face of women’s basketball. Clark, who had just led Iowa to the national championship game with a stunning performance in the Final Four, was a guest on ESPN’s Bird and Toasi show when she was asked about Fudd’s stellar performance.
Without missing a beat, Clark shared her admiration for Fudd. “I just admire her and her resiliency,” Clark said, speaking candidly to hosts Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird. “The things that she has been through… it’s pretty incredible.” It was clear that Clark, a star in her own right, saw something truly special in Fudd—something that many people may have overlooked in the past due to the obstacles Fudd had faced.
Fudd’s talent has been undeniable for years, but injuries, especially during her early college career, had prevented her from showcasing her full potential. For a while, there was a sense of doubt surrounding her, as if people were waiting to see if she could truly live up to the hype. But now, after leading UConn to the national title, Fudd had shut down any remaining critics, proving that her skills were more than just potential—they were tangible results.
Despite her incredible performance in the championship, Fudd isn’t headed to the WNBA just yet. She confirmed in an interview that she would be returning to UConn for her senior year, a decision that delighted her supporters and added even more excitement to her future in the sport. Fudd still has a lot to prove in college, but her performance in the final game cemented her as one of the most formidable players in women’s basketball.
The WNBA chatter surrounding Fudd has been steadily increasing, with many speculating about her potential entry into the league. While some may have expected her to enter the draft after the title win, Fudd has decided to take another year to develop her game further and continue her college career. Still, that hasn’t stopped many from speculating about her future in the WNBA.
And Caitlin Clark, who will be the number one pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, is clearly one of those who has taken notice. Clark, a dominant force on the court, expressed nothing but respect and admiration for Fudd’s skills. When asked about Fudd’s performance during her appearance on Bird and Toasi, Clark didn’t hesitate to praise her. “She’s got one of the best looking shots I’ve ever seen,” Clark said, emphasizing how “pure” Fudd’s shooting form is. “She’s going to be high on my draft board next year,” Clark added, clearly imagining what it would be like to either play alongside or against Fudd in the pro league.
But Clark didn’t stop there. The praise continued, as she highlighted Fudd’s all-around game and her impact on the floor. “Fudd brings a poise and polish that’ll translate immediately at the pro level,” Clark noted, her voice filled with genuine respect for her fellow player. “She just makes shots. She spaces the floor. She does everything really well.”
It’s important to note that Fudd has been hyped since high school, with many predicting she would be one of the next great stars in women’s basketball. However, the challenge for any young player is translating that potential into actual success on the court. In Fudd’s case, she had to fight through adversity. Whether it was battling through injuries or living up to the immense expectations placed on her, Fudd’s path to this point wasn’t easy. But what made her title-winning performance stand out was the fact that she no longer had to rely on potential alone. She had finally shown, on the biggest stage of all, that she could deliver when it mattered most.
The rest of the basketball world took notice, and as Clark admitted, she too was paying close attention to Fudd’s rise. The WNBA will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Fudd’s progress in her senior year at UConn, but for now, she has firmly established herself as one of the league’s future stars.
Fudd’s performance in the NCAA championship game wasn’t just about the statistics—it was about proving herself when the pressure was at its highest. She didn’t just lead her team to victory; she did so in a way that earned her the admiration of her peers, including one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball, Caitlin Clark.
What makes this moment significant is that it marks a shift in the narrative around Fudd. It’s no longer about her potential—it’s about proof. She’s shown that she can deliver on the biggest stage, and with a senior year still ahead of her, there’s no telling how much further she can go.
For Caitlin Clark, this recognition of Fudd is not just an acknowledgment of her skills but also a reflection of the respect and camaraderie shared among the top players in women’s basketball. It’s clear that Clark sees Fudd not just as a future opponent but as a fellow athlete who has worked tirelessly to get to where she is.
As Fudd prepares to return to UConn for one more year, the basketball world will be watching closely. Her championship performance has already set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead, and with Caitlin Clark’s endorsement, it’s safe to say that Fudd’s future in the WNBA looks brighter than ever.
In the end, Fudd’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the undeniable importance of proving yourself when the stakes are at their highest. Whether on the court at UConn or in the WNBA, Azzi Fudd has made her mark, and she’s only just getting started.
