Azzi Fudd Makes Unfortunate History in WNBA Debut
Azzi Fudd entered her rookie season with much anticipation. After a decorated collegiate career at UConn, where she averaged 17.3 points per game in her final season, Fudd was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in April. The move paired her with former college teammate Paige Bueckers, who she won a national championship with in 2025.
A season-opening matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever was as high-profile a debut stage as any rookie could ask for. But things took a surprise turn before the start of the game.
With Arike Ogunbowale healthy and available after missing the preseason, Wings head coach Jose Fernandez made the decision to bring Fudd off the bench, away from the starting role she held throughout the preseason.
Fudd logged 18 minutes, shot 1-of-2 from the field and finished with three points as the Dallas Wings won 107-104.
Unfortunately for Fudd, she found herself on the wrong side of history, as her point total was the fewest scored by a No. 1 overall pick in their WNBA debut in 20 seasons (h/t StatMuse).
Azzi Fudd in her WNBA debut:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 9, 2026
3 PTS
1-2 FG
18 MP
The fewest PTS in a #1 pick debut in twenty seasons. pic.twitter.com/30CUPZHbHz
However, one game tells very little about what Fudd will become. Her struggles in the final stretch of her collegiate career, where she averaged just 10.3 points over her last three NCAA Tournament games, showed she is not immune to having rough outings. But she has spent four years proving she belongs at the highest level.
The debut will be forgotten quickly if she responds the way elite players typically do. Dallas' return to action is a home game against Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday, as they look to improve on Saturday's big win.
Related: Stephanie White's Caitlin Clark Injury Update After Indiana Fever's Loss to Wings
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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM.