Following Paige Bueckers' departure, Geno Auriemma names one Azzi Fudd quality that's "stood out more than anything"

There has been concern regarding who would lead Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies, with Paige Bueckers now in the WNBA. Azzi Fudd, a veteran guard, is the popular pick — and the coach seems to agree.

With the new season still months away, UConn is hard at work during summer practice. Although it remains to be seen how they will fare without Bueckers, Auriemma has been impressed with what he has seen from Fudd.

At the annual charity golf tournament on Monday, Auriemma spoke with reporters about the team.

"We started maybe around June 1st, when summer school began. We've got two weeks left. Obviously, they're not in great shape, because they don't need to be," Auriemma said (per an X post from Storrs Central).

"The rest of April and all of May, they were in the gym, but not seriously. But now, in these last two weeks, I’ve got to tell you — I’ve never seen Azzi this aggressive, this engaged, and wanting to do so much. That has probably stood out more than anything."

Geno Auriemma also heaped praise on another returnee, Sarah Strong, who's entering her sophomore year after a strong finish to the previous campaign.

Azzi Fudd, who was sidelined for most of her sophomore and junior years due to injury, returned strong last season, averaging 13.6 points and making 47.4% of her shots. Her chemistry with Bueckers in the backcourt was also evident as the duo led the Huskies to their 12th national championship.

Fudd further elevated her game in the NCAA Tournament, earning the Most Outstanding Player honors. She scored 24 points in the final against South Carolina.

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Paige Bueckers once said that Azzi Fudd is Geno Auriemma's basketball princess

Following Azzi Fudd's return from injury in November, her teammate Paige Bueckers, excited to have the former Fudd on the court, revealed the high praise coach Geno Auriemma has for the 5-foot-11 guard.

"I said it the other day, I think she's one of the most perfect basketball players," Bueckers said (via X post from @pb5exclusive). "There's not a flaw in her game. There's nothing you can really yell at her at, which is why she's like, the princess, from coach."

It will be Fudd's final year of college as she looks to put all the pieces together and defend UConn’s throne before moving to the pros.