The basketball world came for the 2025 WNBA Draft but stayed for the ultimate orange-carpet duo. Projected No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers showed up in a sleek suit, ready to kick off her pro career.
But it was her appearance alongside longtime UConn backcourt partner Azzi Fudd that truly stole the spotlight. Their chemistry on the court? Legendary. Their energy on draft night? Off the charts. Social media couldn’t look away, and neither could anyone else.
Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd Dazzle the WNBA Draft
ESPN’s cameras were rolling, and fans everywhere were glued to their screens. Paige Bueckers looked every bit like a future franchise player — draped in a sharp, tailored suit that screamed confidence. But when Azzi Fudd stepped into the frame — game over.
Wearing a flowing gown and glowing like a Hollywood premiere queen, Fudd had fans confused about whose draft it was.
The reactions came in fast and loud on Twitter/X. One fan was all love for both the stunning divas, saying, “Paige & Azzi ❤️.”
paige & azzi ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FPSRVLLQFm
— kiks ³₁₅¹⁰ 🏀 (@_iamkiks) April 15, 2025
Another fan was stunned at the way these two dressed for the occasion, “AZZI AND PAIGE LOOK GOOOOOOOD AF.”
AZZI AND PAIGE LOOK GOOOOOOOD AF
— bec • thg era (@chaproan) April 15, 2025
But Fudd took the cake on this one as she looked almost unrecognizable to the fans, “Paige looks good but AZZI LOOKS A DAHHHHHHHHH.”
paige looks good but AZZI LOOKS A DAHHHHHHHHH
— 🅿️skiiii Zeeskiiii (@PimpaliciousZee) April 15, 2025
Honestly, nobody was even trying to play it cool. The fans were obsessed, and why not? The photo of the two walking in together went viral within minutes, with fans praising their undeniable style, their glow-up post-injury seasons, and yes, their unmatched bond.
From UConn Legends to Future WNBA Icons
Bueckers and Fudd were more than just teammates at the University of Connecticut. They were the engine, the electricity, the entire vibe of UConn women’s basketball. And on draft night, it was like watching two queens walk into their palace.
The night was Bueckers’ to celebrate, landing as the No. 1 overall pick to the Dallas Wings just a week after helping UConn secure a national championship, but it was also a celebration of a friendship that’s been through it all. From brutal injuries to clutch wins to unmatched chemistry.
Fudd isn’t in the WNBA yet, with one more year at Storrs, Conn., ahead of her, but if her presence on Monday night, April 14, is any sign, the league isn’t ready for this duo to be back together someday, this time as pros.
Fans are already dreaming up future storylines: Bueckers and Fudd reuniting on the same WNBA team. A redemption arc after years of injuries. A Hollywood-style biopic in the works? Look, the internet can dream, and after Monday’s red carpet slay, anything feels possible.