Napheesa Collier reveals Azzi Fudd's elite shooting prowess, a consistent, efficient weapon, poised to dominate in the WNBA.
As the 2026 WNBA Draft approaches, few prospects have generated as much momentum as Azzi Fudd. And according to Napheesa Collier, there’s one trait that virtually guarantees her smooth transition to the professional level: shooting.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Casuals with Katie Nolan podcast, Collier broke down what stands out most about the UConn star.
“I think the thing that everyone knows about Azzi is how much of a lockdown shooter she is,” Collier said. “And shooting always translates.”
That evaluation, however, carries weight. Collier, a WNBA champion and one of the league’s most versatile forwards, emphasized that the biggest question facing elite college players is how their game translates. In Fudd’s case, she checks every box.
“She’s consistent. She’s efficient. You know what you’re going to get from her,” Collier added. “Coaches look at improvement, efficiency, and whether your game looks translatable — and she checks all of those.”
Fudd’s senior season at UConn has only strengthened that argument. The Huskies sit undefeated and ranked No. 1 nationally, with Fudd playing a central role in both scoring and perimeter defense. She has already earned multiple Big East Player of the Week honors this season and is firmly in the conversation for National Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
Her efficiency numbers are staggering, as over a recent stretch, Fudd averaged 22 points per game while shooting nearly 67% from three-point range. In a win over Marquette, when the rest of UConn struggled from deep, Fudd went 5-of-8 from beyond the arc to halt a comeback attempt.
That ability to deliver in high-leverage moments is precisely what WNBA decision-makers prioritize.
Under legendary coach Geno Auriemma, Fudd has also evolved beyond being a pure scorer. Auriemma has praised her mental growth this season, noting that she is no longer tentative and now impacts games on both ends of the floor.
Much so, draft projections reflect that development. The Dallas Wings hold the No. 1 pick, and ESPN's mock draft widely linked the Wings to Fudd, potentially reuniting her with former teammate Paige Bueckers. The Minnesota Lynx, selecting second, could also be in play if Dallas looks elsewhere.
In a league where spacing, efficiency, and shot-making define offensive success, Fudd’s most obvious strength is also her most valuable one. Add her steady improvement and defensive commitment, and the transition from college dominance to WNBA impact appears less like a question and more like a matter of time.