Paige Bueckers is heading into a busy offseason. Her former UConn teammate — and now girlfriend — Azzi Fudd is expected to join the WNBA next year, either as a teammate or opponent. After years together at Storrs, their bond on and off the court has fans excited to see what their first pro matchup will look like.
Earlier this year, Fudd told Glamour that trash-talking Bueckers rarely worked, though she liked teasing her in college. Bueckers laughed about it in a recent interview.
“She’s really not that good at talking trash,” Bueckers said. “She would try, but I’d mess with her back, and then she’d get annoyed.”
They haven’t played against each other since high school, adding suspense for Paige Bueckers’ upcoming matchups. If draft projections hold, Fudd could be the No. 3 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, likely landing with the Seattle Storm behind Lauren Betts and Olivia Miles — assuming the CBA talks wrap up smoothly.
“Feeling like you have something to prove”: Paige Bueckers prepares for Unrivaled debut
While the WNBA sorts out its labor negotiations, Bueckers is focusing on the second season of Unrivaled, the 3×3 women’s basketball league. She’ll suit up for Breeze BC, teaming with young talents like Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink, Kate Martin, and other rising stars.
Talking about her roster, Bueckers said youth gives them an edge.
“When you’re young, you play with a chip on your shoulder,” she said. “You feel like you have something to prove. At the same time, you don’t feel huge pressure. You just play free and enjoy it.”
Most of Breeze BC is learning the league together, which she sees as a big advantage.
“We’re all from the same generation… learning, growing, and getting better together. That’s exciting.”
Paige Bueckers and Breeze BC will tip off their season on January 5, giving her a chance to lead a young team while keeping fans engaged ahead of the WNBA’s next chapter. With Azzi Fudd joining the league soon after, there’s plenty to watch for in Paige Bueckers’ journey.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
