Latest news with #Fudd
Irish Daily Star
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd announce new partnership as Huskies teammates link up
Basketball sensations Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd have just been announced as the fresh ambassadors for haircare giant Madison Reed. The dynamic duo was instrumental in clinching the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament title earlier this month with the UConn Huskies, after a stunning victory over South Carolina with a score of 82-59. While Fudd is set to return to the Huskies to help defend their national title next season, Bueckers has taken her game to the next level, having been selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the recent WNBA Draft. But it's not just on the court where these two are making waves; they've reunited for a Madison Reed commercial, showcasing the brand's ColorWonder product. In the playful advert, Bueckers and Fudd exchange witty jabs and light-hearted teasing. Read More Related Articles FOX star left baffled by Caitlin Clark snub as he makes stance perfectly clear Read More Related Articles Sparks knew Sarah Ashlee Barker was perfect WNBA Draft pick after NCAA moment "I'm passing the ColorWonder to someone who can't pronounce anthropomorphism," quipped Fudd. To which Bueckers retorted: "I'm passing the ColorWonder to somebody who thinks they're a better shooter than me." Fudd shot back: "I'm passing the ColorWonder to someone who can't go anywhere without their iPad," prompting Bueckers to cheekily reply: "And I'm not ashamed about it so I'm passing the ColorWonder to somebody who can't keep their room clean." Laughing off the tease, Fudd responded: "And I'm not ashamed about it," before playfully adding: "I'm passing the ColorWonder to someone who has crumbs in their bed." A stunned Bueckers responded, "I'm passing the ColorWonder to somebody that when they change their hair color it becomes their whole personality." Laughing off any specifics, Fudd replied, "No comment," before admitting, "I'm passing the ColorWonder to someone that is so obsessed with their blonde that they made their own color. "And it eats," quipped Bueckers. Bueckers faced an emotional tide after being drafted by the Wings, yet she's keen to embark on her WNBA adventure . She opened up to ESPN about her first overall selection, expressing, "You don't ever want to assume anything in life,". "Nothing is guaranteed, so for this moment to be here and it to actually happen, it's nerve-racking." She further described her mix of emotions: "You just have a level of excitement, nervousness, bittersweet feeling knowing that my journey at UConn is over but excited for the next one to begin. To be able to share that moment with the people sitting at my table and also the people not sitting at my table, they played a huge role in it."
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paige Bueckers' Interaction With Former UConn Teammate Sparks Dating Rumors
Nowadays, every public appearance is heavily dissected by fans, especially during high-profile events like the 2025 WNBA Draft. As the Dallas Wings celebrated selecting UConn star Paige Bueckers with the coveted No. 1 overall pick, a seemingly candid interaction between Bueckers and her long-time friend (and former UConn teammate) Azzi Fudd set off a social media frenzy. Advertisement The stage was set at Brooklyn's vibrant draft venue as Bueckers, the star of the night, was preparing to become the first overall pick. Yet, with photographers snapping every angle of the event, fans caught a glimpse of a warm, heartfelt embrace and a playful exchange between Bueckers and Fudd. For those not in the know, Bueckers and Fudd's relationship goes way back. Their friendship began at a USA Basketball camp in high school, where competition for the same position sparked an unlikely connection. Initially underestimated by Fudd, Bueckers soon proved herself on the court, earning the respect of her peers and forging a bond that would eventually see Fudd join the UConn ranks thanks in no small part to Bueckers' persuasive "#GetAzziToUConn" campaign. Advertisement Over the ensuing years, their journey at UConn deepened their friendship through shared struggles—injuries, gruelling rehab sessions, and the pressure-cooker environment of elite women's college basketball. Fast forward to the 2025 WNBA Draft, sitting side-by-side at the draft table, Fudd was the first to rise and congratulate Paige after being selected. Some fans have interpreted this moment as a heartfelt bond stronger than mere friendship. Further adding fuel to the fire, when the cameras zoomed in as Bueckers made her way to her podium, she excitedly shouted, 'I'm mic'ed up! I'm mic'ed up!' Was it just an expression of profound friendship, or did it hint at a romantic spark? Advertisement Let's just say fans were quick to connect the dots. While neither Bueckers nor Fudd has confirmed any romantic involvement—in fact, both have reiterated that their relationship is purely built on mutual support and an enduring sisterhood—their strong connection remains undeniable. Related: Dawn Staley Makes Major Personal Announcement After NCAA Tournament
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UConn Romps Past South Carolina to Cap Blistering Championship Run
TAMPA, Fla. — The University of Connecticut is back at the zenith of women's college basketball. The Huskies convincingly won their 12th national championship Sunday, 82-59, in front of 19,777 fans at Amalie Arena. All 12 of those titles have come with coach Geno Auriemma at the helm, but this one marks the program's first since 2016. Advertisement The win also cemented star guards Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers as two of UConn's all-time greats. Fudd recorded 24 points and five rebounds and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Bueckers, the likely No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, tallied 17 points and six boards. Freshman sensation Sarah Strong added 24 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in an inspired effort. Strong set a freshman record with 114 points in this year's NCAA Tournament. "You don't prepare speeches for something like this," Auriemma said. "... How can you describe the emotions that you would feel if it went the wrong way for us when there's so much riding on this game for a lot of people, a lot of people at UConn and mostly for Paige being her last opportunity to do this? ... I'm glad they were rewarded. This is one of the most emotional Final Fours and emotional national championships I've been a part of since that very first one." Connecticut Huskies guard Azzi Fudd leads a fast break against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the national championship game of the women's 2025 NCAA Tournament at Amalie Arena on Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images UConn (37-3) gradually and systematically imposed its will against South Carolina during the entire game, slowly constricting the Gamecocks with clutch shooting and tough defense. The Huskies outscored the Gamecocks in all four quarters, just as they did against UCLA in Friday's blowout win in the national semifinals. Advertisement "Today was an amazing accomplishment to do it with this team," Fudd said. "Yeah, I scored a lot of points but I just did what my teammates — they sent me great screens, got me the ball. I didn't get outside of myself. I read what the game was giving me. It could have been Sarah or Paige scoring the most. So I just did what I knew I was capable of. My teammates trusted me. Shout-out to them for putting me in that position and believing in me." Huskies fans knew the drill. They cheered louder and louder as the game progressed. They roared "Let's go Huskies" throughout and serenaded Bueckers with "MVP" chants when she took a free throw early in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, they rose to their feet for a standing ovation when Bueckers and Fudd checked out of the game with 1:32 remaining. When the clock expired moments later, Huskies players dogpiled in jubilation on the court in front of their bench as confetti fell from the rafters. UConn guard Paige Bueckers operates with the ball as South Carolina guard Raven Johnson defends Truong / ISI Photos / Getty Images "So many emotions," Bueckers said. "Gratitude was the main one, of the journey, of the ups and downs, and everything that it took to get to that point and just overwhelming joy and just so happy for every single person who was a part of this journey. Just to be able to sum it up in a few words, joy and gratitude would be forefront." Advertisement The nine-year championship drought was UConn's longest since Auriemma guided the Huskies to their first national title in 1995. UConn added championships in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Huskies have lost the championship game only once, against South Carolina in 2022. Now, with the 2025 title in hand, the UConn women have passed the UCLA men's program for the most national championships in major college basketball. South Carolina (35-4) got off to a good start in defense of its 2024 national title but was unable to sustain that momentum. Joyce Edwards and Tessa Johnson led the Gamecocks with 10 points each off the bench. "Here's where I must say much respect to UConn," South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said. "They did a masterful job in executing on both sides of the basketball. And at the same time, I have to say goodbye to a senior class that had a historical impact on our game and our program and our conference and our city and our state." UConn forward Sarah Strong shoots the ball as South Carolina forward Joyce Edwards defends Lee-Imagn Images Staley, who has guided the Gamecocks to five consecutive Final Fours, said she hopes her players remember the sting of losing in the championship game and use it as motivation next season. Advertisement "I hope they're crying," Staley said. "I hope they're boo-hooing, because from crying they have emotion about losing that makes you work hard in the offseason. Makes you look at it and really analyze what the separation is from their program and our program and how we close the gap. ... I hope they have a desire to get back here to to do all the things it takes to play in the national championship game and to deliver the blows that's needed to win." UConn outshot South Carolina from the field, 48.4% to 34.4%, and outrebounded the Gamecocks, 40-36. The Huskies recorded 18 assists to South Carolina's nine. They made 18-of-21 free throws. They outscored South Carolina in the paint, 36-26. They held the Gamecocks 21 points below their season average. Ultimately, it all added up to national championship No. 12 for Auriemma and the UConn women. "I do think that each championship is a building block, and the legacy is all those blocks placed on top of each other," Auriemma said. "And I don't know that one — well the bottom one holds everything up, but the first one — I don't think any other one means more to the legacy. ... Advertisement "I'm glad that we were able to get to that spot that Connecticut has occupied — not that we had to win a championship, but in the last 30 years, I don't know that any program's meant more to their sport than what UConn has meant to women's basketball, so I feel good about that." UConn Huskies players celebrate after winning the national championship at Amalie Arena on Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images UConn's path to the 2025 national championship NCAA first round: Connecticut 103, Arkansas State 34 NCAA second round: Connecticut 91, South Dakota State 57 Sweet 16: Connecticut 82, Oklahoma 59 Elite Eight: Connecticut 78, Southern California 64 Final Four: Connecticut 85, UCLA 51 National championship: Connecticut 82, South Carolina 59 Related: UConn Blasts UCLA in Women's Final Four, Aims for Title No. 12 Related: South Carolina Overwhelms Texas in Women's Final Four, Punches Ticket to Title Game
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Can Paige Bueckers challenge Caitlin Clark in the trading card world? Plus the other names to know
Can Paige Bueckers challenge Caitlin Clark in the trading card world? Plus the other names to know 2023 Bowman Chrome University 1st Bowman Refractor (the hobby puts a premium on a player's 1st Bowman card as a key pre-rookie card and the refractor version is a bit more rare and desirable than the standard base card) Advertisement 2023 Bowman Chrome University 1st Bowman Prospect Autograph 2023 Bowman U Now March Madness Bueckers / Clark dual autograph Aside from Bueckers, whose card market benefited the most from their performance in the tournament? The NCAA tournament provides a great vehicle for athletes to become household names, elevating their brand on the biggest stage. This year was no exception as several athletes saw their popularity rise, positioning themselves as prime targets for collectors. Azzi Fudd The Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Fudd wasn't on the sidelines this year rehabbing a torn ACL like she was last year. Her versatility was key to UConn's championship run, highlighted by her 11 third quarter points in the final, a UConn Women's Basketball record. Collectors looking for Fudd in a mainstream Topps or Panini product will have to wait for now. Her first licensed card was through the company, The Player's Trunk. In 2022 they released a team set featuring debut cards of key players such as Azzi Fudd (#1), Nika Muhl (#6), and Aailyah Edwards (#2). ONIT did include Fudd in their UConn team release in 2023-24, and Panini followed with an Instant auto (#71, pictured above) and post-championship release. Advertisement Kiki Iriafen Going into March Madness, Iriafen was considered by many to be a lock for the third pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. And while the recent announcement of Olivia Miles' return for her final collegiate season, albeit at TCU, has shifted projections, Iriafen's strong March performance and leadership in the absence of JuJu Watkins only raised her profile. Iriafen is included in 2024 Leaf Metal Women of Sport (#45), 2023-24 Panini Prizm Draft Picks, and 2024-25 Bowman University Chrome (#47). Aneesah Morrow The WNBA bound Morrow had the best game of her college career in the 2025 Sweet 16, dropping 30 points with 19 rebounds to lead the comeback against NC State. Scoring 2,500 and fetching 1,500 rebounds in a college career certainly turns heads, but her card options have been largely limited to Leaf products. Morrow has appeared in several Leaf releases, beginning with 2022-23 Leaf Draft, and more recently, making her hobby licensed debut in 2024-25 Bowman University Chrome. For those interested in print-to-order options, she has two cards through the Bowman U Now platform. Advertisement Sarah Strong To be clear, the NCAA Tournament didn't put Strong on collector radars, but it did show that the Freshmen of the Year recipient has lived up to her hype. While her cards were sought after in the recent Topps McDonald's All-American set, prices cooled quickly after it was released, and only after her historic 114-point tournament scoring achievement have her cards crept back up. Several print-to-order cards featuring Strong were released by Panini and Topps following the championship game, adding even more options for collectors already chasing her in Bowman University Chrome. How do you think JuJu Watkins' injury will impact her card prices? While a small dip might be expected I certainly wouldn't expect it to last long. My experience from recent breaks of Bowman University Chrome suggest that collectors still have a strong desire for her cards. Online break pricing for the USC team spots, or her solo spots, were consistently priced only behind Cooper Flagg. Though she may be sidelined for part of next season, her recent exclusive deal with Fanatics signals that Watkins will remain very much at the forefront of women's basketball cards and collectibles. Do you think Bueckers can challenge Clark as the most widely collected WNBA player? And whose name gets misspelled more? Bueckers cards will be in high demand, especially for her licensed WNBA card debut. Though anything is possible, I don't foresee the kind of seemingly insatiable appetite for all things Bueckers the way the hobby has experienced with Caitlin Clark. There are clearly more buyers in this hobby space today, and this draft class, as well as those coming up in the near future, have lots of stars to keep collectors happy. Advertisement The second question might actually be easier. Bueckers should be the tougher name to spell. Should. But considering how many incorrect spellings I see on a daily basis of Clark's name, I fear the phantom 'y' in her first name might be here to stay. Whose cards are you buying heading into the WNBA Draft? It's a great time to be buying WNBA cards, however I am happily ignoring many of the biggest prospects including Bueckers, Watkins, and Clark. Those players are in high demand, with prices reflecting such. In contrast, many WNBA veterans and legend cards are still wildly undervalued, particularly in comparison to Clark's recent sales. However, two prospects who have flown a bit under the hobby radar that I'm happily buying up are Sonia Citron and Ta'Niya Latson. Citron's size and versatility will make her a lottery pick with the upside to collectors as a rookie who can make an instant impact on the professional level. She was featured in 2024 Leaf Metal Women of Sport, followed by releases from Bowman U Now (including a dual auto with Hannah Hidalgo) and the recent 2024-25 Bowman University Chrome (#64). Advertisement Though Latson received the 2023 WBCA and USBWA Freshman of the Year Awards and led the nation this past season in scoring average, her national profile was perhaps limited since she played for Florida State. This changes next season as she takes her game from Tallahassee, through the transfer portal, to prime-time South Carolina. And unlike many highly touted players, she only has one mainstream card in the 2022 Topps Chrome McDonald's All American (#29 & #77) release so far. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage. When you click or make purchases through our links, we may earn a commission. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. WNBA, Women's College Basketball, Memorabilia & Collectibles 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
14-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Can Paige Bueckers challenge Caitlin Clark in the trading card world? Plus the other names to know
As Caitlin Clark claimed the top spot on the list of most valuable women's sports cards of all-time last month, a new group of basketball stars was making a name for themselves in the NCAA tournament. Now, ahead of the WNBA Draft, where national champion Paige Bueckers is getting all the headlines, women's sports card expert Annemarie Farrell answers some of the bigger questions facing the women's basketball card world and highlights the names beyond Bueckers and Clark that collectors should pay attention to. First, here are a few notable Bueckers college cards: The NCAA tournament provides a great vehicle for athletes to become household names, elevating their brand on the biggest stage. This year was no exception as several athletes saw their popularity rise, positioning themselves as prime targets for collectors. Azzi Fudd The Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Fudd wasn't on the sidelines this year rehabbing a torn ACL like she was last year. Her versatility was key to UConn's championship run, highlighted by her 11 third quarter points in the final, a UConn Women's Basketball record. Collectors looking for Fudd in a mainstream Topps or Panini product will have to wait for now. Her first licensed card was through the company, The Player's Trunk. In 2022 they released a team set featuring debut cards of key players such as Azzi Fudd (#1), Nika Muhl (#6), and Aailyah Edwards (#2). ONIT did include Fudd in their UConn team release in 2023-24, and Panini followed with an Instant auto (#71, pictured above) and post-championship release. Advertisement Kiki Iriafen Going into March Madness, Iriafen was considered by many to be a lock for the third pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. And while the recent announcement of Olivia Miles' return for her final collegiate season, albeit at TCU, has shifted projections, Iriafen's strong March performance and leadership in the absence of JuJu Watkins only raised her profile. Iriafen is included in 2024 Leaf Metal Women of Sport (#45), 2023-24 Panini Prizm Draft Picks, and 2024-25 Bowman University Chrome (#47). Aneesah Morrow The WNBA bound Morrow had the best game of her college career in the 2025 Sweet 16, dropping 30 points with 19 rebounds to lead the comeback against NC State. Scoring 2,500 and fetching 1,500 rebounds in a college career certainly turns heads, but her card options have been largely limited to Leaf products. Morrow has appeared in several Leaf releases, beginning with 2022-23 Leaf Draft, and more recently, making her hobby licensed debut in 2024-25 Bowman University Chrome. For those interested in print-to-order options, she has two cards through the Bowman U Now platform. Sarah Strong To be clear, the NCAA Tournament didn't put Strong on collector radars, but it did show that the Freshmen of the Year recipient has lived up to her hype. While her cards were sought after in the recent Topps McDonald's All-American set, prices cooled quickly after it was released, and only after her historic 114-point tournament scoring achievement have her cards crept back up. Several print-to-order cards featuring Strong were released by Panini and Topps following the championship game, adding even more options for collectors already chasing her in Bowman University Chrome. While a small dip might be expected I certainly wouldn't expect it to last long. My experience from recent breaks of Bowman University Chrome suggest that collectors still have a strong desire for her cards. Online break pricing for the USC team spots, or her solo spots, were consistently priced only behind Cooper Flagg. Though she may be sidelined for part of next season, her recent exclusive deal with Fanatics signals that Watkins will remain very much at the forefront of women's basketball cards and collectibles. Bueckers cards will be in high demand, especially for her licensed WNBA card debut. Though anything is possible, I don't foresee the kind of seemingly insatiable appetite for all things Bueckers the way the hobby has experienced with Caitlin Clark. There are clearly more buyers in this hobby space today, and this draft class, as well as those coming up in the near future, have lots of stars to keep collectors happy. The second question might actually be easier. Bueckers should be the tougher name to spell. Should. But considering how many incorrect spellings I see on a daily basis of Clark's name, I fear the phantom 'y' in her first name might be here to stay. It's a great time to be buying WNBA cards, however I am happily ignoring many of the biggest prospects including Bueckers, Watkins, and Clark. Those players are in high demand, with prices reflecting such. In contrast, many WNBA veterans and legend cards are still wildly undervalued, particularly in comparison to Clark's recent sales. However, two prospects who have flown a bit under the hobby radar that I'm happily buying up are Sonia Citron and Ta'Niya Latson. Citron's size and versatility will make her a lottery pick with the upside to collectors as a rookie who can make an instant impact on the professional level. She was featured in 2024 Leaf Metal Women of Sport, followed by releases from Bowman U Now (including a dual auto with Hannah Hidalgo) and the recent 2024-25 Bowman University Chrome (#64). Though Latson received the 2023 WBCA and USBWA Freshman of the Year Awards and led the nation this past season in scoring average, her national profile was perhaps limited since she played for Florida State. This changes next season as she takes her game from Tallahassee, through the transfer portal, to prime-time South Carolina. And unlike many highly touted players, she only has one mainstream card in the 2022 Topps Chrome McDonald's All American (#29 & #77) release so far. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence in all our coverage. When you click or make purchases through our links, we may earn a commission. (Top image: Scott Rausenberger-Imagn Images)
