The buzz around the WNBA mock draft is already heating up, and one standout name is UConn’s Azzi Fudd, who’s being touted as a top pick—long before the Huskies’ season even begins. Yes, even with more than a week remaining in UConn women’s basketball, analysts are already projecting Fudd to be a high draft choice in the upcoming WNBA draft.
According to ESPN’s recent mock draft, which was unveiled just this past Thursday, Fudd is predicted to be the third overall pick, selected by the Seattle Storm. Standing at 5-foot-11 and playing guard, Fudd wrapped up a remarkable season helping UConn secure their 12th national championship—a feat that cements her as one of the top talents in college basketball. During her final year, she averaged 13.6 points per game and demonstrated incredible shooting ability, hitting 43.6% from beyond the arc.
But here’s where it gets interesting—another notable pick in the mock draft is Spain’s Iyana Martin Carrion, projected to be chosen 12th overall by the Connecticut Sun. Meanwhile, the draft order still remains to be finalized, with the lottery not scheduled until after the college season concludes. If this mock scenario materializes, the Dallas Wings would be selecting first for the second consecutive year, having previously picked UConn star Paige Bueckers, who was named WNBA Rookie of the Year last season.
Leading the way at the top of the draft is UCLA’s Lauren Betts, projected as the number one pick to the Dallas Wings, followed by TCU’s Olivia Miles, set to go to the Minnesota Lynx. And this isn’t just speculation—Fudd’s recent achievements add weight to her potential. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of last year’s Women’s Final Four, a recognition that highlights her impact on college basketball’s biggest stage.
And this is the part most people miss—these projections, while insightful, are still guesses until the actual draft lottery takes place. But if Fudd’s name does land among the top three, it could mark a new chapter for her career and for UConn’s legacy of producing top-tier talent. The question remains: will the draft hold true to these predictions, or will surprises shake up the order? And more broadly, what does this say about the future of women’s basketball and the rising stars ready to take the WNBA by storm? Share your thoughts—do you see Fudd rising even higher, or do you think the mock draft might be underestimating other prospects?
