Connecticut junior guard Azzi Fudd expected to have a breakout year this season. Unfortunately, those aspirations got halted as Fudd has been diagnosed with a torn ACL and meniscus in her right knee.
According to UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, Fudd suffered the non-contact injury during a team practice last week. He noted Fudd felt “funny” after going up for a shot.
Fudd missed the Huskies’ last two games, wins over Maryland and Minnesota.
In 2019, she tore the ACL and MCL in her right knee during a Team USA under-18 3-on-3 FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament. Then, she overcame the injuries to be the nation’s No. 1-rated recruit in 2021 while playing at St. John’s College High School in Northwest Washington, D.C.
Fudd chose UConn to join her best friend Paige Bueckers, the 2020 No. 1 recruit. However, the pair has only played in 17 games together through three seasons.
Bueckers missed last season after she tore her ACL in August 2022. Meanwhile, Fudd has missed 11 games as a freshman, and 22 as a sophomore last season.
In 42 games at UConn, Azzi Fudd has averaged 13.1 points on 44.9 percent shooting from the field and 38.6% from three.
UConn (3-1) will move on without Fudd. She is now challenged with overcoming a second major injury in her right knee.
