Liberty-Wings game postponed after New York sat on tarmac for 12 hours The New York Liberty’s charter flight faced mechanical issues Wednesday, stranding the team on a tarmac for 12 hours and forcing the postponement of their scheduled road game against the Dallas Wings. The matchup, originally set for Thursday night at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, was rescheduled to Monday night with a tipoff time of 7 p.m. CT. Broadcast details for the rescheduled game remain pending. Liberty coaches and players shared updates about the travel delay on social media. Assistant coach Kristen Mann posted on Instagram that the team spent nine hours on the plane without moving, describing the situation as “nowhere.” The Liberty remained in New York on Thursday and were set to fly to Indiana on Friday ahead of Saturday’s game against the Indiana Fever. Rookie Pauline Astier also posted on her Instagram story at around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, noting that after 10 hours, the team’s plane was still on the tarmac. She captioned the post with a message in French: “10h après toujours sur le tamarac,” accompanied by a photo of her sitting beside developmental player Marine Fauthoux. The Liberty did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication. Dallas Wings officials became aware of the delay shortly before midnight Wednesday. While the Wings’ side of the situation was less dramatic, the team adjusted its plans, turning a scheduled gameday shootaround into a practice session. The focus shifted to preparing for an upcoming game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Dallas guard Azzi Fudd described the situation as “a weird wakeup,” but praised the team’s ability to adapt. “I think we did a great job pivoting,” she said. The travel disruption was compounded by severe weather conditions.#azzi_fudd #dallas_wings #new_york_liberty #jose_fernandez #college_park_center
Azzi Fudd’s Rookie Season With the Wings Has Gone Exactly to Plan When the Dallas Wings selected UConn star Azzi Fudd as the top pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, the decision sparked intense debate among analysts and fans. The 2026 draft class was among the most talented in recent memory, with a handful of elite prospects vying for the No. 1 selection. Names like offensive powerhouse Olivia Miles, Spanish phenom Awa Fam, and UCLA’s Lauren Betts—whose NCAA tournament run led her team to its first title—were all considered strong candidates. Yet, for the Wings, Fudd’s selection was a calculated move that has already begun to pay dividends. Fudd’s arrival marked the second consecutive year the Wings had taken a star from UConn’s storied program, following the 2025 pick of Paige Bueckers. The decision was rooted in Fudd’s unique skill set: her elite three-point shooting ability, which would create space for Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale to operate more effectively. Additionally, Fudd’s defensive growth during her college career hinted at her potential to transition smoothly to the professional level. While her rookie season didn’t start perfectly, the Wings’ general manager, Curt Miller, has seen his investment begin to deliver results. The early stages of Fudd’s season were not without challenges. Miles, who had already established herself as one of the league’s top players, dominated headlines with her breakout performance for the Minnesota Lynx. Fudd’s slower adjustment to the WNBA, combined with an early-season injury that forced her to miss a game, led to questions about her readiness. Coach Jose Fernandez initially held her out of the starting lineup until the eighth game of the season. However, once Fudd found her rhythm, she became a cornerstone of the Wings’ offense.#azzi_fudd #olivia_miles #minnesota_lynx #dallas_wings #curt_miller
Azzi Fudd's Defensive Growth Elevates Dallas Wings' Playoff Hopes HARTFORD — Azzi Fudd’s rookie season with the Dallas Wings has been defined by her evolution as a defender, a shift that has positioned the team as a playoff contender. While her signature 3-point shooting has drawn attention, it is her defensive impact that has become the cornerstone of her success in the WNBA. Just 20 games into her professional career, Fudd has emerged as a key contributor, leading all guards in the league with 20 blocks and anchoring the Wings’ resurgence. Fudd’s journey to the WNBA began with her stellar college career at UConn, where she was a top 10 performer in 3-pointers made and percentage. However, her defensive prowess, though critical to her success at the collegiate level, often went unnoticed amid her scoring accolades. Now in the professional league, Fudd has embraced her role as a perimeter defender, adapting to the physicality and pace of the WNBA. Dallas coach Jose Fernandez highlighted her ability to guard the opposition’s best players, noting her anticipation, active play, and knack for disrupting opponents’ attacks. “She’s active, and she walls up, and she gets blocks,” Fernandez said. “I think she does a lot of things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.” The Wings’ need for a versatile perimeter shooter became evident in the 2025 season, when they ranked among the worst in the WNBA in 3-point shooting. Drafted first overall in April 2026, Fudd was selected for her elite shooting ability, which has translated to immediate impact. In her first 20 games, she ranks second on the team with 1.9 3-pointers per game and fourth in 3-point percentage (38.4%). Her ability to stretch the floor has elevated the Wings’ offensive output, with the team averaging 8.2 3-pointers per game and a 33.#uconn #paige_bueckers #azzi_fudd #dallas_wings #jose_fernandez
Cotie McMahon Projected to Connecticut Sun in Final WNBA Mock Draft at No. 15 The 2026 WNBA Draft, set to begin in New York on Monday, April 13, has generated significant anticipation as teams finalize their strategies for the upcoming season. While the first overall pick has remained uncertain, recent developments in free agency have narrowed the focus for the Dallas Wings, who are expected to select UConn guard Azzi Fudd at No. 1. Other candidates for the top spot include Spanish forward Awa Fam, UCLA center Lauren Betts, and TCU guard Olivia Miles. However, the spotlight has shifted to Ole Miss standout Cotie McMahon, whose projected selection in USA TODAY’s final mock draft highlights her potential impact on the league. McMahon, a versatile forward with a strong offensive skill set, is anticipated to be chosen at No. 15 overall by the Connecticut Sun. The Sun’s selection of McMahon aligns with their need for a dynamic wing player capable of contributing immediately. McMahon’s ability to score from midrange, drive to the basket, and create space for teammates makes her a valuable asset for a team looking to strengthen its offensive options. Her high-energy playstyle and adaptability to different roles—whether as a wing or forward—position her as a key addition to the Sun’s roster. The mock draft, which incorporates potential trades and protections, reflects the evolving landscape of the WNBA. McMahon’s projected pick at No. 15 underscores her status as a first-round talent, despite the competition from other top prospects. Her performance at Ole Miss, where she averaged 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc, has solidified her reputation as a well-rounded player.#ole_miss #azzi_fudd #wnba_draft #connecticut_sun #cotie_mcmahon
WNBA Legend Says Wings Could Form Title Duo With Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd When you get to the WNBA, if you have two guards that can pretty much do everything — defend, pass, shoot the three, get to the paint — then we’re talking about building championship DNA,” Taurasi said. The Huskies just keep on winning, as they await the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Sweet 16 in the hopes that by the end of the month, Fudd, again, will be Final Four-bound. Could Paige Bueckers Play With Azzi Fudd Again? Mar 2, 2026; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Breeze BC guard Paige Bueckers (5) at Barclay's Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images “I think just from a bird’s eye view, you would say Azzi is the number one pick and, you know, the synergy that she has with Paige on the court, they play great together,” Taurasi said. Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations Published 6 hours ago | Modified 6 hours ago Zain Bando is a writer & columnist for Gameday Media's MMA Knockout, expanding his portfolio as a Staff Writer for Dallas Wings On SI with previous in-network contributions around the echosystem. Outside of covering fights, Bando's background includes Big Ten football and men's basketball with leans toward Illinois and Northwestern with a broader league view for bylines including The Sporting News, FanSided, Men's Journal and others since 2019. Bando can be reached at zainbando99@gmail.com or via his social media accounts @zainbando99. Home/ Paige Bueckers#paige_bueckers #azzi_fudd #wnba_legend #dallas_wings #brooklyn_ny
No. 1 UConn Women’s Basketball Faces No. 4 North Carolina in NCAA Sweet 16 For the first time in four years, UConn women’s basketball will compete in the NCAA Sweet 16 just one time zone away from its home state instead of two. The No. 1 overall seed Huskies will take on No. 4 North Carolina Friday evening in Fort Worth, Texas, in a matchup that marks their third consecutive season against the Tar Heels. The game will be broadcast live at 5 p.m. ET, with coverage available on UConn Sports Network and various radio stations. UConn, which has reached the Sweet 16 32 straight years, aims to extend its streak of consecutive Elite Eight appearances to three and secure its 30th overall trip to the round of eight. The Huskies are 29-3 all-time in the Sweet 16, with their most recent loss coming to Ohio State in the 2023 regional semifinal. A victory would set up a potential Elite Eight clash against the winner of the Notre Dame-Vanderbilt matchup, with the winner advancing to the Final Four in Phoenix. The Huskies’ path to the Sweet 16 included a dominant 98-45 win over No. 9 Syracuse, where Azzi Fudd led the charge with a career-high tying 34 points, including eight 3-pointers. Fudd’s performance earned her a spot among the top four finalists for the Naismith Player of the Year award, while teammate Sarah Strong was also a top four finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. Fudd is 20 points away from moving into the top 20 on UConn’s all-time scoring list and is closing in on the school’s single-season 3-point record. UConn’s history against North Carolina is marked by high-stakes encounters. The teams last met on Nov. 15, 2024, in Greensboro, where Geno Auriemma secured his 1,216th career win by defeating the Tar Heels 69-58. UNC’s last victory over UConn came on Jan.#north_carolina #azzi_fudd #geno_auriemma #uconn_womens_basketball #courtney_banhart
UConn's Sarah Strong, UCLA's Lauren Betts, Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes lead star-studded AP All-America 1st team The 34-0 UConn Huskies were prominently featured on the AP All-America team, with Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd becoming the 10th pair of teammates to earn first-team honors. This marks the first time since Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu and Ruthy Hebard in 2020 that UConn has had two players named to the first team. Strong and Fudd were instrumental in leading the NCAA tournament favorite this season. Strong, a unanimous selection with 31 first-place votes, averaged 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 3.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks. She leads UConn in all categories except assists, where she trails only KK Arnold by 0.7. Strong also shoots 60.1% from the field and 42.7% from beyond the arc as a sophomore. Fudd, averaging 17.7 points, 3 assists, and 2.6 rebounds, shot 48.9% from the field and 44.6% from three-point range. Alongside Strong and Fudd, the first team includes Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes (29 first-place votes), Texas' Madison Booker (29 first-place votes), and UCLA's Lauren Betts. Blakes leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27 points per game. Betts, the Big Ten Player of the Year, was named to the first team and earned the conference's Defensive Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year. She helped UCLA secure a 31-1 season and its second straight Big Ten title. Booker, a second-team selection for the second year in a row, contributed to Texas' SEC tournament title after defeating South Carolina in the championship game. The second team includes Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo, South Carolina's Joyce Edwards, TCU's Olivia Miles, Iowa State's Audi Crooks, and Ohio State's Jaloni Cambridge.#uconn_huskies #sarah_strong #azzi_fudd #vanderbilt #mikayla_blakes
UConn's Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd have been named to the AP All-America 1st team, becoming the first teammates in six years to achieve this honor. The duo helped UConn secure an undefeated season heading into March Madness, marking the 10th time in history that teammates have been selected to the first team, with seven of those instances involving UConn players. The last pair to accomplish this feat was Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu and Ruthy Hebard in 2020. Strong and Fudd were joined on the first team by Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes, UCLA's Lauren Betts, and Texas' Madison Booker. Strong, a unanimous selection from the 31-member national media panel, averaged 18.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 60.1% from the field. Fudd contributed 17.7 points and 4.2 rebounds, shooting 43.6% from beyond the arc. UConn coach Geno Auriemma praised their efforts, noting that Strong "picked up where she left off last season" and that Fudd's perseverance after overcoming challenges "has paid off." Blakes, a standout sophomore, led the nation in scoring with 27 points per game, adding 4.4 assists and a 45.8% field goal shooting rate. Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph highlighted her impact, stating that Blakes has "cemented herself as one of the best players in the country" and "elevated her play against the toughest competition." Blakes became only the second first-team All-American in Vanderbilt's history, joining Chantelle Anderson in 2002. Betts, a senior for UCLA, averaged 18.5 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 60.1% from the field. This marks her second consecutive season on the first team, making her the first Bruins player to earn this honor twice. UCLA coach Cori Close called Betts a "generational player," emphasizing her influence on both the court and the program. Booker, a junior for Texas, averaged 18.9 points and 6.#uconn #sarah_strong #azzi_fudd #vanderbilt #mikayla_blakes
2026 Big East Women's Basketball Tournament: UConn Dominates, Secures NCAA Tournament Seed UConn secured another Big East tournament title with a commanding 90-51 victory over Villanova on Monday night, cementing their status as the top team in the conference. The Huskies, led by head coach Geno Auriemma, delivered a blowout performance at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, extending their dominance in the tournament and their season. The win marked UConn’s 11th undefeated regular season in program history, with the team finishing the year with a perfect 31-0 record. This achievement further extended their historic win streak, which now spans 47 games dating back to their 2025 national championship run. The Huskies have only had one game this season where the final margin was within single digits—a three-point win over then-No. 6 Michigan in November. Since then, UConn has averaged a staggering 37.8-point margin per game, ranking third in NCAA women’s basketball history for scoring dominance. Only two previous UConn teams had a higher average. The tournament victory solidified UConn’s position as the No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Villanova, which reached the championship game, will also earn an at-large bid, but the Wildcats were outmatched against the Huskies. UConn’s performance in the Big East tournament mirrored their regular-season dominance, as they controlled every aspect of the game. The Huskies led for the entire contest, holding Villanova to just 23 points in the first half before cruising to the win. Azzi Fudd led UConn with 19 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field. Sarah Strong added 18 points and eight rebounds, while Blanca Quiñonez contributed 13 points off the bench.#uconn #sarah_strong #azzi_fudd #geno_auriemma #blanca_quinonez
Unbeaten UConn women's basketball is close to a title repeat The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, led by head coach Geno Auriemma, is on the verge of securing its 13th NCAA championship and seventh undefeated season after dominating the 2025-26 campaign. With six victories remaining to clinch a perfect season, the Huskies have maintained their dominance through a combination of elite talent, strategic depth, and a relentless focus on execution. Their path to the Final Four will be revealed when the NCAA bracket is released, but for now, the team continues its pursuit of history. Auriemma’s squad has been anchored by standout performers like freshman phenom Olivia Strong and senior guard Azzi Fudd, who have emerged as key figures in the program’s success. Strong, the top recruit from the 2024 class, has lived up to her billing as a versatile forward. She averaged 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 3.4 steals while shooting 60.1% from the field and 42.7% on three-pointers. Her performance in the 2025 Final Four, where she led UConn with 46 points and 23 rebounds against UCLA and South Carolina, earned comparisons to potential future WNBA draft prospects. Coach Dawn Staley of South Carolina acknowledged Strong’s impact, suggesting she could become the best UConn player of all time. Fudd, meanwhile, has evolved into a seasoned leader after overcoming injury setbacks. Projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, she has averaged career highs in points (17.7), assists (3.0), and steals (2.5) while improving her shooting efficiency. Her ability to step into the role of primary ball-handler following the departure of Paige Bueckers has been critical to UConn’s success.#south_carolina #university_of_connecticut #geno_auriemma #olivia_strong #azzi_fudd
