Azzi Fudd had her moment on the biggest stage in college basketball, and no one was happier for her than Caitlin Clark. The Indiana Fever star joined Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi on ESPN’s alternate broadcast during the NCAA championship and didn’t hold back her praise for the UConn standout.
After years of setbacks and injuries, Fudd stepped up when it mattered most and earned respect from one of the game’s brightest stars.
Clark Can’t Stop Praising Azzi Fudd on Live TV
While breaking down the title game on the Bird & Taurasi Show, Clark took a moment to celebrate Fudd’s resilience and talent.
“Well, I think I just admire her and her resiliency, the things that she’s been through, it’s pretty incredible, especially during the course of the NCAA tournament, how can you not be a fan of her and root for her?” Clark said.
For Clark, it wasn’t just about the numbers—it was the way Fudd carried herself throughout the tourney: “She just makes shots, she’s always poised. I know she’s not coming out this year, but next year she’s gonna be pretty high on my draft board. She’s one of those pieces that will come into the WNBA and will be able to translate right away.”
Clark wrapped it up with, “She just does everything really well.” Her words echoed what many WNBA scouts were likely thinking as Fudd delivered her most complete performance on the biggest night of her career.
Fudd Finally Gets Her Moment
UConn Huskies haven’t won a national title since 2016. But on Sunday, April 6, the drought ended in dominant fashion as the Huskies crushed South Carolina Gamecocks 82-59 to win their 12th NCAA championship. The win also gave Geno Auriemma the most national titles by any basketball coach in NCAA history.
Fudd led the charge with 24 points, and 5 rebounds in 38 minutes—enough to earn her the 2025 NCAA Championship Game MVP. It was the perfect payoff after battling injuries for two seasons. She had played just 17 total games across her freshman and sophomore years.
This season, Fudd finally stayed healthy—appearing in 33 games and starting 29 of them. She averaged 13.3 points and knocked down 44.6% of her threes.
No surprise Steph Curry once said, “I think [Fudd] has more of a textbook jumper than anyone I’ve seen.”
With Paige Bueckers and freshman Sarah Strong also clicking, UConn’s trio combined for 65 points, outscoring the entire South Carolina team.
Fudd has confirmed she’s staying one more year, but after Sunday’s masterclass, she’s already a hot name for 2026. And if Clark’s live review is any hint, WNBA GMs are already circling her name.