Back where it all began, Paige Bueckers reminded Connecticut exactly who she is. The former UConn superstar, now with the Dallas Wings, returned to Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday night and made sure it was a night to remember.
She delivered a statement performance in an 86-83 win over the Connecticut Sun, finishing with 21 points, seven assists, and two rebounds. It was her first professional game back in the state, where she became a college basketball icon. The reception showed just how much she still means to fans here.
The Mohegan Sun was sold out for her return. Despite playing for the opposing team, the crowd broke into chants of her name throughout the night and cheered her on with the same energy they once did when she wore Huskies blue.
The building was filled with familiar faces, including her former coach Geno Auriemma and several ex-UConn teammates. Among them was Azzi Fudd, her backcourt partner during last season’s national title run.
Azzi Fudd Takes Playful Jab at Paige Bueckers
After the game, Fudd posted a video of Bueckers at the free-throw line on her Instagram story.
Over the clip, she wrote, “Finally making free throws.”
Bueckers was a reliable free-throw shooter at UConn, hitting around 83% from the line. So Fudd’s line was clearly meant as a joke, likely calling back to a few missed free throws in big moments or a running joke between them from their time together.
Bueckers and Fudd were more than just a backcourt duo. They were the heartbeat of a championship team that brought the Huskies back to the top.
Last season, they helped deliver UConn’s first national title since 2016. Fudd was named Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four, while Bueckers came up big when it mattered most and led with the calm of a seasoned vet.
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Their connection has always gone deeper than basketball. When Bueckers was drafted in April, Fudd was right there beside her, celebrating every moment. They may be on separate paths now, but nothing about their bond has changed. Nights like this are just another reminder.