Wings GM Addresses Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers Pairing After WNBA Draft
UConn star Azzi Fudd was the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, creating an anticipated reunion with her former teammate, Paige Bueckers, on the Dallas Wings.
Bueckers was in the crowd on Tuesday evening to celebrate Fudd going first overall, along with other UConn teammates. That included Serah Williams, who also became a draft pick of the Connecticut Sun before a trade sent her to the Portland Fire.
Meanwhile, the pairing of Fudd and Bueckers has many people excited about what the future holds for Dallas. And as one might expect, questions began to arrive for the Wings’ coach and general manager soon after they made their pick, with many inquiries about the two UConn stars on the same team.
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In a post-draft media session, Wings GM Curt Miller and coach Jose Fernandez fielded questions from reporters. One arrived at what Miller saw in the chemistry between Bueckers and Fudd while scouting the former at UConn last year.
“I think first and foremost, you see them differently. You see Paige for who she is, and you see Azzi for who she is,” Miller said, “While they’re terrific teammates, they won a championship together, they have synergy together, it’s about what they both individually bring.”
“I’d like to concentrate on Azzi,” Miller stated, adding, “What stands out is certainly her offensive shooting ability and that lightning-quick release.”
He also mentioned liking what he saw on her “compete level” and “confidence” on the defensive end of the floor.
“The partnership is wonderful, but this night is about Azzi,” Miller reiterated.
Fernandez explained that he made a trip to Storrs, Connecticut, after becoming head coach of the Wings, and met with Geno Auriemma. He said he was able to get an in-person look at Fudd playing in Big East games for UConn.
Dallas’ head coach said she brings a lot of what they’ll need for their lineup, with floor spacing, quick-release shooting, and three-point shooting. He also commended her coming from a program with a winning tradition, another thing they’ll need for the Wings.
Miller shared that they consulted with players, including Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, on their decisions, including free agency, and on the four players they thought stood out as potential No. 1 picks.
The Wings GM also explained that Fudd “fits” well with Bueckers and Ongunbowale, who will have the ball on the floor, since Fudd is “good off the ball.”
It’s hard to ignore that having two players from the same UConn squad that captured a championship last year and contended for others before that could help Dallas immensely. However, time will tell if there could be off-court issues that affect how well they work together.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 6:55 AM.