Azzi Fudd Leads UConn Into New Season, Featured on SLAM Cover

Azzi Fudd — UConn’s 2024-25 Final Four Most Outstanding Player who scored 24 in the title game — is returning for her final collegiate season with a deliberate shift in mindset, saying she wants to play for joy, confidence and personal freedom rather than external validation. UConn and SLAM have been teasing a major reveal that has been confirmed as a solo SLAM cover, positioning Fudd as the program’s new face and placing her among college phenoms like Caitlin Clark and Juju Watkins. Off the court she has ramped up her profile with notable NIL deals and a growing podcast, boosting her marketability and expectations as a leader after Paige Bueckers’ departure. UConn also celebrated Fudd’s 1,000-point milestone and placed her on the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award watch list, signaling that her scoring role and touches are likely to increase this year. Coaches and fans expect Fudd to shepherd a new era in Storrs while pursuing another title and prioritizing enjoyment and peace of mind on and off the court.