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The WNBA has so many college sweethearts. Maybe it’s the love for sports or pure destiny that these couples just don’t find each other but stick together through it all. From DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith to Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery, and even Cameron Brink and Ben Felter, the heart of basketball beats louder when love’s involved. Now, the internet is pretty convinced we’ve got the first UConn couple. Yes, we’re talking about Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. And the clues just keep stacking up. 

From matching injuries to matching energy on the court, Paige and Azzi have had a connection that feels… deeper than just teammates.. Rewind to December 2021, Azzi suffered a foot injury, sidelined for 11 games. Just four days later, Paige went down with a tibial plateau fracture, missing 19 games herself. It’s like their careers have been weirdly synchronized. 

And because of these overlapping injuries, they only actually played together in 28 of UConn’s 131 games during their college run. But despite the limited time on the court, their bond never wavered off it. If you’ve spent even a little time online, you’ve seen it. The way they look at each other in interviews, the way they laugh like they’ve known each other since pre-K, and how they finish each other’s sentences like it’s a script. 

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Now, everyone thinks they might actually be more than just besties. The latest clue dropped on TikTok. Azzi was vibing in a dance video with Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee and TikTok star Anna Frey. Fun, unexpected trio. But while folks were just admiring the moment, the sleuths of the internet caught something very interesting.

Azzi was wearing a necklace with a heart pendant. And guess what completed that heart? The number 5. In case you can’t connect the dots, Bueckers is No. 5. She wore it at UConn, and now she’s bringing it to Dallas with the Wings. So naturally, the theories just exploded. 

Because there’s no way that’s just a coincidence. Not right after WNBA Draft night. That orange carpet moment? It practically launched a thousand edits. Azzi showed up looking like a vintage dream in a black wrap dress with a deep V neckline. But it wasn’t just the outfit that got people talking.

It was the moment she and Paige posed together. Cameras flashing, smiles glowing, and let’s just say… Paige’s “hand placement” had the internet pausing pausing and zooming in like they were solving a mystery. So no, neither they have confirmed anything, nor denied. 

What’s your perspective on:

Is the heart necklace a secret love signal between Paige and Azzi, or just a coincidence?

Have an interesting take?

But with every subtle moment, the internet’s piecing it all together. 

Fans on a detective hunt over Paige Bueckers relationship

“boom! Case closed” one wrote. Well, the “case” has been going on for what feels like forever, and fans can’t help but dive deeper with every new hint. One of the biggest moments that got people talking came when Azzi was sitting with Paige’s family and coach Geno Auriemma at the main table during Paige’s draft night. 

When Paige walked over, she quickly realized Azzi was about to say something. That’s when Paige blurted out, “I’m mic’ed up! I’m mic’ed up!” –  almost like she was signaling to Azzi, or maybe just being cautious. Azzi caught on immediately and flashed that signature smile. It was such a wholesome moment. But of course, fans are paying attention to the small stuff. Paige’s sudden “warning” and Azzi sitting at her table while the entire UConn squad sat elsewhere definitely sparked some suspicions. 

“SHE SAID WRAP THAT BESTIE S–T UP THANK YEWWWWWW,” another added. Then there’s the whole “bestie forever” vibe that these two have. Their friendship actually started at a USA Basketball camp when they were in high school, and if you didn’t know, there was a little competition for the same position that turned into an unlikely bond. Initially, Azzi didn’t see Paige coming, but once Wings star proved herself on the court, respect quickly followed. That respect transformed into a deep friendship, and we all know the rest. Paige’s “#GetAzziToUConn” campaign played a role in getting Azzi to join the UConn squad, and from there, their journey only grew stronger.

It’s obvious their bond is solid, but many fans feel that the necklace gives off a vibe like she’s saying more without outright saying it. Maybe it’s a secret declaration of their relationship? One fan joked, “aw i thought steph was her fav player turns out its ant 🥹🥹🥹🥹” We know that Fudd and Steoh Curry had a connection since the Uconn stars attended Curry’s SC30 Select Camp at just 15 years old. But that necklace Azzi wore had the number 5 completing a heart shape, and well, that number just so happens to belong to Anthony Edwards (Ant). 

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USA Today via Reuters

Obviously, it was sarcasm. I mean, come on, Azzi wearing Ant’s number? We’re not buying that. This one is all about Bueckers, hands down. Then there’s the fan who straight-up said, “I better see her courtside at a wings game soon.” We all know that whether they’re just friends or something more, these two are going to be at each other’s games. That’s a given. Fans love to speculate, but this is one of those things that’s just pure truth. Azzi will be there for Paige, and vice versa. No questions asked.

And things heated up when one said, “I made this necklace for Paige back in October.” Well, that definitely added more fuel to the fire, didn’t it? With Paige seen wearing Azzi’s sweatshirt in Dallas, it’s hard to deny that there’s something going on. But then again, maybe they’re just so close they share clothing and jewelry without any deeper meaning. It’s not out of the question. But, with all these pieces coming together, fans are left on the edge of their seats, wondering if this is just a deep friendship or something more.

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Whatever the case is, we can’t come to any conclusion until one of them confirms. So, let’s sit and wait for the big news to drop, either we’re in for a bombshell, or all these theories will end up being just that: rumors.

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  Debate

Is the heart necklace a secret love signal between Paige and Azzi, or just a coincidence?

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