From leading the UConn Huskies to the Championship to earning the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player honors in the 2024-25 NCAA season after dropping 24 points in the title game, Azzi Fudd has been unstoppable. And it’s safe to say that the Huskies’ star guard is not planning to slow down any time soon. With just days before the new season begins, something big seems to be brewing in Storrs.
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The UConn Women’s Basketball program has sent a cryptic message on X, formerly known as Twitter, suggesting a major announcement involving star guard Azzi Fudd.

They recently reposted a teaser from WSLAM (the women’s basketball division of SLAM Magazine), “THE CROWN IS WHERE IT BELONGS 👑 Brand new SLAM cover drops on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 at 11 AM EST,” captioning it only with a single “👀” emoji. The tease also contains an image with a red background and a blue silhouette structure that strongly resembles Fudd, which immediately raised eyebrows.

And that’s not all. The Magazine has also been dropping hints lately by dedicating its Instagram post to the Huskies star, captioned, “Even before the whole country knew her as the People’s Princess, we were at Azzi Fudd’s games because we knew she hoops real regal.”

Over the past year, Azzi Fudd has built one of the most impressive NIL portfolios in college basketball, partnering with brands like Chipotle and BioSteel. The 5-foot-11 star also recently launched her own podcast, “Fudd Around and Find Out,” which quickly gained traction among fans and has already surpassed 20,000 subscribers on YouTube.

This isn’t Fudd’s first time in SLAM magazine, however. Back in 2021, she and her UConn teammate Paige Bueckers appeared on the cover together during their first season with the Huskies. The feature focused on their longtime friendship and the chemistry they’ve built since growing up playing basketball side by side.

Now, with the 2025-26 NCAA season just around the corner and Paige Bueckers gone off to the WNBA, Fudd will be taking the center stage and leading the Huskies, and fans will definitely be keeping their eyes on her to witness what she will bring to the table as a leader.

What lies ahead for UConn and Azzi Fudd

The defending champions will open their 2025–26 campaign looking to guard their crown. The Huskies will be kicking off their season in a matchup against the No. 20-ranked Louisville. Cardinals. Without Paige Bueckers, the leadership torch now passes to Fudd, who will guide a loaded roster featuring KK Arnold, Ice Brady, Serah Williams, and Sarah Strong.

Fudd herself understands the magnitude of the moment and is embracing it head-on. Speaking with USA Today, she said, “Everything about this year is going to be a challenge. I knew that going in. I’m excited about what else I can add, what else I can learn. Whether that’s specifically on the court with my ball handling, bringing the ball up, or it’s leadership. I think this year has been all about embracing the hard.”

Last season, Fudd averaged 13.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. This season, being her last as a college athlete, she will definitely look to make the most of it. Do you think Azzi Fudd has what it takes to be a leader? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!