“Where’s Azzi Fudd?”: UConn fans react as Paige Bueckers and co. practice for Notre Dame clash
No. 2-ranked UConn will be without star guard Azzi Fudd when they take on Hannah Hidalgo and the No. 8-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Thursday. The team posted a video of their practice run in the build-up to the game and fans noticed that Fudd wasn't there.
"Where's Azzi ?? 😢😢" one fan wrote.
"Without Azzi, some of our freshman and sophomores have to step up tomorrow to help Paige but confident UConn will win. This team is on 🔥 now," another fan commented.
"So no Azzi tomorrow?😞" a fan commented.
"Speedy recovery Azzi but I'm fully confident this team can grab a W with the current players," another fan wrote.
It's a frustrating setback for the senior guard, but UConn fans are hopeful she won't be out for an extended period.
Azzi Fudd likely to at least two games
Azzi Fudd is likely to miss the games against Notre Dame and Georgetown after she tweaked her right knee in UConn's (8-0) win over Louisville on Saturday. While it doesn't look like Fudd will miss too much time, she is day-to-day and will be reevaluated at the end of the week.
The good news is that Fudd avoided another serious injury. Her teammate, Paige Bueckers, spoke to reporters about the news, expressing relief that it's not serious or long-term.
“It’s very frustrating because she’s just coming back and looking great these past few games," Bueckers said on Tuesday. But it’s better that it’s a minor setback.”
Fudd has had multiple knee injuries throughout her career, including ACL and MCL tears in high school and another ACL tear last season, which limited her to just two games. Since returning on Nov. 20, she has played in five games.
After Thursday's matchup against Notre Dame (7-2, 1-0 ACC), UConn will face Georgetown on Sunday. Fudd’s return could happen as early as Tuesday when the Huskies take on No. 18-ranked Iowa State.