“The court is my canvas, and basketball is my art,” said UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers once. And it seems like her art has won the hearts of millions.
A big example of Bueckers’ star power came in December when she faced off against JuJu Watkins in a thrilling showdown that drew 3.8 million viewers.
But Bueckers isn’t just winning fans over with her elite playmaking. The 22-year-old point guard is also becoming like family to those closest to her teammates, as shown in a heartwarming moment during a recent livestream.
Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd’s Dad Share Close Bond
While dining at a local restaurant, Azzi Fudd’s father, Tim Fudd, was chatting with fans on his live stream when someone asked about his relationship with his daughter’s teammate, Bueckers. His answer left viewers surprised and touched.
“Paige is my white daughter! We talk trash, we think we’re the best at everything, and it’s pretty much true,” Fudd said with genuine affection.
Azzi’s dad calling Paige his white daughter 😭
“We talk trash, we think we’re the best at everything, and it’s pretty much true” pic.twitter.com/S7X66Mrg9h
— CFP (@sportsfan6718) March 24, 2025
This bond didn’t form overnight. Fudd’s dad has shown his support for Bueckers through consistent gestures over the years. Most notably, he hasn’t missed a single birthday wish for Paige since she joined the program, often posting heartfelt messages on social media.
“@paigebueckers1 Happy Birthday Champ!! See you soon! #BugLife,” wrote Fudd on X for Paige’s 16th birthday.
On the court, Fudd and Bueckers have become a tough duo for defenses to handle. Before Fudd’s injury issues, they showed great chemistry, with Bueckers averaging 18.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.4 rebounds this season. Fudd’s career 40.9% 3-point shooting helps space the floor and gives both players room to operate.
UConn’s upcoming game against South Dakota State will rely heavily on their teamwork. A win would send the Huskies into the Sweet 16 and keep their championship hopes alive.
With Bueckers leading the way and Fudd’s shooting, the duo looks ready to shine under the bright lights of March Madness. But did you know that Bueckers made a request to Fudd’s family before they became teammates at UConn?
Bueckers’ Request to Fudd’s Family That Sparked Their Bond
Women’s college basketball fans know Bueckers and Fudd as the faces of UConn, but their bond began years ago on the USA Basketball U16 team. And what many don’t know is that their connection at UConn happened thanks to a personal step Bueckers took to help make it happen.
When Fudd was deciding where to go to college, Bueckers made a sincere pitch to her — and to her family. She shared a highlight video of herself from high school, showing how she helped her teammates get open looks.
Bueckers’ message was simple. If Fudd came to UConn, she’d get the same kind of plays.
“This is so on brand for Paige, but she made a little highlight video of herself from her high school games, passing to her teammates and giving them wide-open shots. She presented it to my family and was like, ‘You see all these open shots I’m giving to my teammates? That’s going to be Azzi if she comes to UConn and plays with me,’” said Fudd in an interview with GQ.com.
In 2021, Fudd eventually chose UConn, joining Bueckers. The two have since become key pieces in the Huskies’ success, proving that Bueckers’ move to build their bond paid off.