Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd Return for What Could Be Their Last Game Before Connecticut Fans

 

For one more night, Connecticut fans will get the chance to cheer for two of UConn's most beloved stars as Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd return to familiar hardwood.

Potentially the Final Connecticut Homecoming

Home Is Where the Huskies Are

Today, July 8, 2026, both Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd could be playing their last basketball game in the state of Connecticut. An emotional thought for UConn fans all over the world, this day has been dreaded since the WNBA announced that the Connecticut sun would move to Houston as the Comets beginning in the 2027 season. Because of this, there will not only no longer be a WNBA team in the state of Connecticut, but also no other reason/way for the UConn alumnae to compete in front of their beloved home crowd. This matchup against the Connecticut Sun will be held at PeoplesBank Arena, a place that both Bueckers and Fudd have played at before during their time at UConn. Since their National Championship run in 2025, Bueckers and Fudd are yet to play together in the state of Connecticut, bringing great excitement and emotion to the women's basketball community as they reflect on the past few years of UConn Women's Basketball and the success they have found. 

A Reunion that Means More than Basketball

In recent interviews with the media, current UConn stars KK Arnold, Jana El Alfy, Kayleigh Heckel, and others expressed their excitement to see both Bueckers and Fudd compete in front of their home crowd of Connecticut one last time. Although it will be bittersweet, a reunion of Sarah Strong, Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, KK Arnold, Jana El Alfy, and several others is highly anticipated by not only the players themselves, but diehard UConn fans as well. As the 2025 National Championship team as well as the 2026 Final Four team reunite, it will be neat to reflect on where each of these players are now, and how they've grown in this next season of their lives.

From UConn Champions to WNBA Stars

The Next Page for Bueckers in Dallas

Paige Bueckers has been automatic for the Dallas Wings as of late. In the past three games, Bueckers has put up at least 25 points on a field-goal percentage of over 50%. This is pure dominance that should get fans even more excited than before. If Bueckers can keep up the pace, not only will she see the accolades such as All-Star starter come in, but also success within the team as the Wings seek to climb the rankings. The 2025 Rookie of the Year is playing consistent and pure as she averages 19.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Though these stats are almost identical to that of her rookie season, her shooting splits have made notable improvements. As Bueckers takes more of the shots she's best with, you can see the chemistry with her and Fudd continue to grow and flourish. With Bueckers having the option to play off the ball with Fudd facilitating or becoming floor general herself and setting up Fudd and other teammates for good looks, Bueckers is developing into a nightmare for her opponents. So, whether the media wants to acknowledge it or not, Fudd was the perfect pick for a new player to play around Bueckers due to the past chemistry, and the growth for the two to come in this next chapter together.

Fudd's Transition to the Pros Thus Far

You know what they say, slow and steady wins the race and that's exactly the way Azzi Fudd's season is unfolding. Putting in the work to deserve her spot in the starting lineup, Fudd earned everything she has with the Dallas Wings thanks to her hard work. After a great run leading the UConn Huskies to the Final Four alongside Sarah Strong, Fudd had to adjust to her new role in Dallas just weeks later. That said, the poise and confidence that Fudd plays with is evident as she has blossomed into her new role while remaining the same lethal shooter from three. In just her first 18 games as a pro, Fudd has made a seamless transition. Going from averaging 17.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.5 steals per game in her senior season at UConn to averaging 13.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game for the Dallas Wings, people need to put more respect on Azzi Fudd's game. After being drafted with the First-Overall Pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings, Fudd received a lot of hate as many believed she was only drafted to be back with Bueckers. In this time, Fudd could have backed down and failed to max out her full potential, but she didn't. This season, Fudd has already recorded four 20+ point games, all shooting almost 50% from three. What more can you ask from the rook? If you haven't already, put respect some respect on her name before it's too late because Azzi Fudd could go down as one the most consistent shooters the WNBA has ever seen.

What's Next for Bueckers and Fudd?

As the Dallas Wings look to snap their two-game losing streak against the Connecticut Sun tonight, they also have a long away stretch. This contest with the Sun is the Wings' first of four away games as they will not return to Dallas until their matchup with the Chicago Sky on July 12, 2026. Focused on the present, facing off with Connecticut's Brittney Griner is a demanding task. Not to mention holding back the scoring of Leila Lacan will also be a good challenge for Dallas. That said, if Bueckers and Fudd can both get hot early whether it's through knocking down shots or creating good looks for their teammates with their elite passing, the Wings should be well off. Can Bueckers, Fudd, and the Dallas Wings start off their road trip strong and take the victory in what could be their final game in Connecticut?