Imagine the thrill of welcoming back a superstar who just skyrocketed to fame, only to feel a pang of longing for what could have been— that's the emotional rollercoaster Azzi Fudd is riding as Paige Bueckers returns to the UConn Huskies' practice court in Storrs, Connecticut. This isn't just any reunion; it's a heartfelt moment that captures the essence of growth, loss, and renewed inspiration in the world of women's basketball. But here's where it gets intriguing: how does a team bounce back from losing a legend like Bueckers? And this is the part most people miss—the subtle ways these return visits actually fuel the next generation. Let's dive into the details and explore why this story resonates with fans and players alike, breaking it down step by step for those new to the sport.
Paige Bueckers is back on the hardwood in Storrs, honing her skills with her old college squad. This comes during a pivotal week for the UConn Huskies, who recently crushed DePaul by a staggering 102-35 score on Sunday. Now, they're gearing up for a high-stakes clash against USC on Saturday, the 13th—a matchup that always ignites passion when facing top talent, especially someone destined for WNBA greatness like Bueckers.
Bueckers herself is riding a wave of success from her recent triumphs: she clinched a national championship with UConn, earned a starting spot in the WNBA All-Star Game, scooped up WNBA Rookie of the Year honors, and was selected for the All-WNBA Second Team—all within roughly six months. It's a remarkable feat that would make any athlete's head spin, and now she's giving back by revisiting her alma mater. For beginners, think of the WNBA as the pinnacle of professional women's basketball in the U.S., where players from college leagues like the NCAA transition to compete against the world's best—much like the NBA for men.
This return is especially meaningful because Bueckers shares a deep personal connection with the team; her girlfriend, Azzi Fudd, is still a key player on the Huskies' roster. Fudd opened up about the mixed emotions surrounding Bueckers' visit, painting a picture of nostalgia mixed with excitement. “It feels bittersweet for those of us who played alongside her,” Fudd shared. “We're like, 'Oh, we really miss having you here every day.' Yet, it's so enjoyable to welcome them back. The vibe they bring is electric, and they elevate the red team's performance during scrimmages. Plus, it ramps up the challenge for us, offering fresh perspectives and tougher competition to sharpen our skills.”
To put this in perspective, losing a player of Bueckers' caliber—fresh off becoming WNBA Rookie of the Year—isn't easy. Teams often face a transition period, but UConn has handled it admirably, boasting a perfect 9-0 start to the season with most games ending in blowouts (only one was decided by fewer than 12 points). Fudd believes the adaptation is progressing smoothly. “We've adapted well,” she explained. “Replacing someone like Paige isn't about one person stepping in—it's the whole team pulling together, each of us contributing a bit more. Folks have risen to the occasion. Paige handled so much: the scoring, grabbing rebounds, her incredible court awareness, basketball intelligence, and leadership. We've gelled nicely as a group so far, and if we keep improving and building on this without her, we'll thrive.”
For context, Bueckers dazzled in her last UConn season, averaging 19.9 points per game, 4.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals, guiding the team to their first national title since 2016—a drought that felt endless for a powerhouse program like UConn. She then leaped to the WNBA with the Dallas Wings, posting comparable stats: 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. The catch? While UConn was unstoppable, the Wings struggled last year, and Bueckers is determined to turn things around in her sophomore WNBA campaign. This highlights a fascinating dynamic in sports: sometimes, individual brilliance can't single-handedly lift a struggling team, sparking debates about player impact versus team chemistry. But here's where it gets controversial—does recruiting superstars like Bueckers in college basketball unfairly drain resources from programs, potentially harming their long-term success? Or is it a natural evolution that benefits the WNBA? Most people overlook how these visits might inspire younger players, but they could also create unrealistic expectations.
READ MORE: Only six Dallas Wings players are signed for 2026 WNBA season (https://www.si.com/wnba/wings/news/only-six-dallas-wings-players-are-signed-for-2026-wnba-season)
Bueckers even caught the spotlight off the court recently, teaming up with Angel Reese for a stunning appearance at a Magic vs. Knicks game following a brand collaboration. These moments remind us that basketball stars are more than athletes—they're cultural icons bridging worlds.
READ MORE: Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese stun together at Magic vs. Knicks game after brand collab (https://www.si.com/wnba/wings/paige-bueckers/paige-bueckers-angel-reese-stun-together-at-magic-vs-knicks-game-after-brand-collab)
Stick with Wings Gameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Wings (https://www.si.com/wnba/wings) throughout the offseason.
So, what do you think? Is it fair for college teams to lose stars to the pros, or should there be rules to keep talent longer? Do these return visits truly help the remaining players, or do they just highlight what's missing? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Fudd's bittersweet take, or see it differently? Let's discuss!
