Azzi Fudd injury update: Is the UConn star playing vs JuJu Watkins' USC? (Dec 21)
UConn guard Azzi Fudd will be available for the Huskies in their marquee matchup against No. 7-ranked USC on Saturday at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut.
The UConn Women's Basketball Team confirmed the development on X (formerly Twitter), with Fudd set to be called off the bench for the Geno Auriemma-coached squad, who are ranked No. 4 in this week's AP Poll.
Women's college basketball reporter Alexa Philippou added that Fudd and USC freshman guard Kennedy Smith will start for the Trojans after being sidelined for several games due to injury.
Fudd suited up for five games this season and has been productive for the Huskies. She has averaged 10.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 19.2 minutes of action.
She made 50% of her shots, including 33.3% from the 3-point line, and was inserted from the starting five twice this season.
Azzi Fudd's addition stretches the court for UConn
Azzi Fudd has given the UConn Huskies additional firepower whenever she's starting or playing off the bench. The senior guard, who returns from a knee injury that sidelined her last season, can light up the perimeter and despite limited minutes, Fudd made 1.4 3-pointers a game.
In his first three seasons for the Huskies, the 5-foot-11 Arlington native has made more than two triples each game in over 28 minutes of action. UConn coach Geno Auriemma is expected to extend Fudd's minutes to utilize her shooting skills that were sorely missed due to injury.
The guard's addition will also free up the team's slashers as the defense would close in on her, giving their penetrators a lot of real estate to operate on the paint. Fudd hopes to contribute instant offense for UConn against equally-talented USC who has a deep rotation led by top scorer JuJu Watkins and rebounder Kiki Iriafen.
The Huskies will counter with the combination of Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong, who has proven her worth as the No. 1 freshman in the Class of 2024. Bench production is expected to be a big factor in this game as both teams have relied heavily on their starters in previous games.
The showdown will drastically affect the AP poll set to be released on Monday as UConn and USC are at the top of the rankings.
How many points will Azzi Fudd score for the UConn Huskies in their game against USC Trojans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.