Senior Day - info on Azzi and others

[BRS24]

Azzi Fudd will participate in UConn Senior Day Sunday, but has not made a decision about next year

As of Friday, Fudd has yet to make up her mind about her future. Per NCAA rules, she has until 48 hours after the conclusion of UConn’s final game of the postseason to announce.​

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“Her motto all year is staying present in what's happening right now,” Tim Fudd, Azzi’s father, told CT Insider Friday morning. “… It's not a priority at this point in time to focus on that when they have an opportunity to do some really good things.”​

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What she has decided, though, is to participate in UConn’s Senior Day celebrations on Sunday when the team hosts Marquette at 2:30 p.m. in Storrs.​

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Joining Fudd, Bueckers and Griffin in this year’s Senior Day celebration in graduate transfer Kaitlyn Chen. Like Fudd, redshirt junior Caroline Ducharme also has an additional year of eligibility remaining after this season and has yet to announce her future plans or her intent to participate in Sunday’s Senior Day.​

 

[BRS24]

 

[BannerTown]

From UConnHuskies.com

 

[Vowelguy]

Really surprised about CD. Thought for sure she was done.

Glad to have her come back.

 

[oldhusky]

Hard to read anything really conclusive anymore from senior day announcements on who is participating. Regardless of what she has said Paige, with a very small probability could return for a variety of reasons, if no championship, doesn't like Dallas, more money for players after the new WNBA contract etc.

Azzi could make either decision too, but if she participates but doesn't make an announcement, it probably does mean she has not made a definitive decision to return at least at this point or she would say so.

Caroline probably has an even more complicated decision, but I am surprised she has not yet decided to participate on Sunday. In addition to the stay or leave decision, she has an additional question. Given her health issues there could be some question as to whether she should continue playing at all.

In some ways her decision may be the hardest of all, but I'm sure we all wish her the best whatever path she determines is best for her. Maybe we learn something definitive on the three with choices on Sunday, or maybe we still have to wait. It is their decision as to what to reveal and when and how they do it.

 

[Bald Husky]

Really surprised about CD. Thought for sure she was done.

Glad to have her come back.

I believe I either read an article or a video that Caroline has said that she still wants the chance to play pro. Obviously, she will not enter this year's draft in the condition that she is in now. It would be important for her, as long as she is able, to come back next year to show the W that she is medically fine, and that her game will be an asset to any team in the league. She is not physically or mentally ready to enter the draft or even try to sign as a free agent this year. Get some PT this year, come back next year and make a statement. I wish her well, and hope she comes back.

 

[hoopsfan22]

Crazy to think that Aubrey played with Megan, Kyla, Crystal, and Molly because it feels like those guys have been gone forever.

 

[packwrap]

In tea leave reading this is pretty clear. Caroline burning one year of eligibility right now with her little cameo role, and hopes to have a full healthy year in 25-26 back with Huskies!

Obviously, health most important, but exciting if she plays!

Azzi keeping her options open. UConn's NCAA result, and Azzi's level of play will have both a practical and emotional effect on her choice.

Congrats to our seniors!

 

[stamfordhusky]

“s of Friday, Fudd has yet to make up her mind about her future. Per NCAA rules, she has until 48 hours after the conclusion of UConn’s final game of the postseason to announce.”

I believe there is one error in the above. She has until 48 hours after UConn‘s final game to announce per WNBA rules. The NCAA has no such rule. Fudd could wait all spring, wait all summer, and then decide in September that she was going to return and play for UConn. Not likely but possible under the rules.

 

[packwrap]

True, but Azzi could only do all that waiting and then still come back to UConn, if she does not get drafted and play meanwhile in WNBA.

 

[Centerstream]

“s of Friday, Fudd has yet to make up her mind about her future. Per NCAA rules, she has until 48 hours after the conclusion of UConn’s final game of the postseason to announce.”

I believe there is one error in the above. She has until 48 hours after UConn‘s final game to announce per WNBA rules. The NCAA has no such rule. Fudd could wait all spring, wait all summer, and then decide in September that she was going to return and play for UConn. Not likely but possible under the rules.

I believe that the NCAA has rules that state that when a player declares for the WNBA draft, they forfeit their remaining college eligibility, whether they get drafted or not.

 

[JBK]

disappointing.
With NiL and Azzi being hurt most of her college career - and unfortunately one of the most disappointing # 1 high school picks. It would nice to be out of Paige’s shadow and own women’s. College basketball - I.e Carolyn Clark.
She is unbelievable and needs to make her mark at UConn. Her and Strong next year would be amazing.

 

[BRS24]

“s of Friday, Fudd has yet to make up her mind about her future. Per NCAA rules, she has until 48 hours after the conclusion of UConn’s final game of the postseason to announce.”

I believe there is one error in the above. She has until 48 hours after UConn‘s final game to announce per WNBA rules. The NCAA has no such rule. Fudd could wait all spring, wait all summer, and then decide in September that she was going to return and play for UConn. Not likely but possible under the rules.

I believe that the NCAA has rules that state that when a player declares for the WNBA draft, they forfeit their remaining college eligibility, whether they get drafted or not.

As Azzi still has eligibility remaining after this season, however wants to be considered for the draft, her deadline is 10 days before the draft date, which this year is April 14. This is from wikipedia, as the WNBA website does not have any details on the draft as of yet. If Azzi is participating in the final four, then her deadline would be 24 hours after either the semifinal or final game.

 

[Skeets]

I believe I either read an article or a video that Caroline has said that she still wants the chance to play pro. Obviously, she will not enter this year's draft in the condition that she is in now. It would be important for her, as long as she is able, to come back next year to show the W that she is medically fine, and that her game will be an asset to any team in the league. She is not physically or mentally ready to enter the draft or even try to sign as a free agent this year. Get some PT this year, come back next year and make a statement. I wish her well, and hope she comes back.

I would not pretend to know Cariline's physical or mental state. I do know that unless Caroline goes nuts and is named the MVP of the Big East and NCAA tournaments (not likely to happen) the odds of a WNBA team drafting her is zero.

By burning a year of eligibility Caroline has declared, not in words, that at most she'll only play 1 more year.

 

[topogigio]

In tea leave reading this is pretty clear. Caroline burning one year of eligibility right now with her little cameo role, and hopes to have a full healthy year in 25-26 back with Huskies!

Obviously, health most important, but exciting if she plays!

Azzi keeping her options open. UConn's NCAA result, and Azzi's level of play will have both a practical and emotional effect on her choice.

Congrats to our seniors!

Not sure if she is "burning" this year. I believe the NCAA rule on this is that a player can play a maximum of four games, or 30% of a season and be eligible for redshirting. This makes the timing of her return interesting. Am I correct?

 

[maxw]

Not sure if he knows more than folks here, but Voepel at ESPN thinks Azzi will be back next year (3 week old story):

WNBA mock draft: Bueckers a lock at No. 1, but who is No. 2?

Pencil in Paige Bueckers as the Dallas Wings' No. 1 pick. Where will Olivia Miles, Kiki Iriafen and Sedona Prince go in the 2025 WNBA draft?

www.espn.com

As much as I love to have her come back, can't blame her if she has a spectacular tournament and wows the GMs. Hope that if she leaves, we have another championship!

 

[and one]

It wouldn't surprise me a bit if Azzi stays for one last year in order to look to get a first or even second national championship and make first team AA. It's not like she's giving up millions to defer her pro career by a year.

Caroline could have all sorts of reasons to come back next year. Someone above.mentioned she may still have pro aspirations so there would be a lot to prove next year. Even if playing professionally isn't likely playing next year will give her a chance to suit up and ball with the best before moving on to whatever is next. And gives her a chance to get a few more ducks in a row to prepare for what's next. Healthy and playing next year could be a very happy memory to move on with

 

[bballnut90]

I would not pretend to know Cariline's physical or mental state. I do know that unless Caroline goes nuts and is named the MVP of the Big East and NCAA tournaments (not likely to happen) the odds of a WNBA team drafting her is zero.

By burning a year of eligibility Caroline has declared, not in words, that at most she'll only play 1 more year.

Ducharme, like most 22 year olds, probably doesn’t have a desire to be a 6th year senior even if the opportunity is there. I’m sure she’s enjoyed her time at UCONN but it has not been without challenges and likely wants to finish up and move on after next season.

 

[bballnut90]

disappointing.
With NiL and Azzi being hurt most of her college career - and unfortunately one of the most disappointing # 1 high school picks. It would nice to be out of Paige’s shadow and own women’s. College basketball - I.e Carolyn Clark.
She is unbelievable and needs to make her mark at UConn. Her and Strong next year would be amazing.

Realistically Azzi would need to become a lot more consistent and make a big jump in production to get to the level of Paige or other standouts in WBB. Not to mention stay healthy. This year she’s sort of a wild card pick for the WNBA draft, but this year’s draft lacks depth. With a big NCAA tournament there’s a solid chance she’s a high draft pick.

I also don’t think it’s fair to label her among the most disappointing #1 recruits without mentioning how injuries have derailed her career. Pretty much her entire career she’s been coming off of injuries and hasn’t had sustained stretches of being healthy.

 

[Centerstream]

Realistically Azzi would need to become a lot more consistent and make a big jump in production to get to the level of Paige or other standouts in WBB. Not to mention stay healthy. This year she’s sort of a wild card pick for the WNBA draft, but this year’s draft lacks depth. With a big NCAA tournament there’s a solid chance she’s a high draft pick.

I also don’t think it’s fair to label her among the most disappointing #1 recruits without mentioning how injuries have derailed her career. Pretty much her entire career she’s been coming off of injuries and hasn’t had sustained stretches of being healthy.

I believe it was during the Creighton game, not 100% positive, that the very knowledgeable announcers said that Azzi is considered the #3 pick in this year's draft.
I'm not either arguing for or against this, just passing it along.

 

[hoopsfan22]

Not sure if she is "burning" this year. I believe the NCAA rule on this is that a player can play a maximum of four games, or 30% of a season and be eligible for redshirting. This makes the timing of her return interesting. Am I correct?

She burned this season the minute she stepped on the court.

 

[Rowdy831]

A good group for sure. Azzi and Paige have nothing left to prove at the college level and should both move on. Geno recruited a lot of players that made their decisions based on players playing their 4 years and then moving on. To disrupt your program for any player riskes permanent damage and it just isn't worth it in the long run.

 

[stamfordhusky]

She burned this season the minute she stepped on the court.

To elaborate, the 30% rule only applies to games played in the first half of the season. Once an athlete plays even one game in the second half of the season, that counts as a year and burns a year of eligibility.

 

[uconnever]

A good group for sure. Azzi and Paige have nothing left to prove at the college level and should both move on. Geno recruited a lot of players that made their decisions based on players playing their 4 years and then moving on. To disrupt your program for any player riskes permanent damage and it just isn't worth it in the long run.

They both still have ALOT to prove. In my opinion Azzi will come back if she doesn’t have an explosive tournament and win the title, and I would do the same if I were her, but this whole team has EVERYTHING to prove. Were Connecticut.

 

[Hayven]

Paige is going on to the Wall right? As an AA. Is this why she is participating again? She’s already said she’s not coming back and did senior festivities last year

 

[Basingstoke]

FS1 confirmed that they're televising the senior day festivities after tomorrow's game!

 

[topogigio]

To elaborate, the 30% rule only applies to games played in the first half of the season. Once an athlete plays even one game in the second half of the season, that counts as a year and burns a year of eligibility.

Thanks for the clarification!

 

[Tonyc]

Just some thoughts.

Caroline. If healthy will be back next season.
Azzi I believe will be back next season due to all her injuries the past few years and she has time remaining
Paige I will bet that there will be a ceremony putting her name on the Wall of Honor.

Next season Sarah Azzi and perhaps Caroline. Gee I remember when I saw Paige Azzi Caroline and Amari all together at a game in Gampel. What might've been if they were all healthy.

 

[Longtime fan]

I believe I either read an article or a video that Caroline has said that she still wants the chance to play pro. Obviously, she will not enter this year's draft in the condition that she is in now. It would be important for her, as long as she is able, to come back next year to show the W that she is medically fine, and that her game will be an asset to any team in the league. She is not physically or mentally ready to enter the draft or even try to sign as a free agent this year. Get some PT this year, come back next year and make a statement. I wish her well, and hope she comes back.

She has to have a great year, a dominating year, for the pros to be interested. Let's hope she puts everyone"s fears to rest and emerges as a star. And let's hope wee get to see a hint of that in the remaining games of 2025. So far, in all honesty, her appearances have been welcoming and honorific, rather than productive and foretelling of a fabulous future on the court. Maybe that will all change in the next few weeks.

 

[bballnut90]

I believe it was during the Creighton game, not 100% positive, that the very knowledgeable announcers said that Azzi is considered the #3 pick in this year's draft.
I'm not either arguing for or against this, just passing it along.

I’ve seen mocks with her as high as #3. I’d be surprised if she dropped below #6 with how many picks the Mystics have. Taking a chance on Fudd seems like a worthwhile risk to build their future, especially since they’re in rebuild mode right now.

Even with a monster year next season, I don’t think Fudd would likely climb into the top 3 ahead of Betts/Flaujae/Latson due to injury history. Another injury could plummet her stock though. From an outsider’s view, I think the best choice for Fudd is to declare if she’s trying to maximize her chance of sticking in the league.