Will UConn's Azzi Fudd be the No. 1 pick in 2026 WNBA Draft?

PHOENIX — Ahead of the Final Four and with the 2026 WNBA Draft looming, ESPN’s Andraya Carter had a simple response to a question about one of the biggest stars of the Women’s NCAA Tournament.

Could UConn’s Azzi Fudd be picked No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings?

“Yeah, of course,” Carter told USA TODAY Sports. “Why not?”

Pressed further, Carter explained Fudd’s value.

“She's a specialist when it comes to being a shooter — the ability to hit shots, the ability to space the floor,” Carter said. “There's so many things that when you have a floor spacer, just that skill set alone is an amazing opportunity to have success at the WNBA level. Even on nights if she's not hitting (3-pointers), she can attack long close outs, which puts the defense in scramble mode. When the defense is in scramble mode, somebody's going to be open.”

In this year’s WNBA draft — which will be held Monday night in New York — there seems to be a clear separation between the top four prospects and everyone else.

There’s 6-foot-7 UCLA center Lauren Betts, who just powered the Bruins to the national championship. There’s TCU point guard Olivia Miles, a wizard with the ball in her hands who can dish out neck-breaking assists and swish open shots from deep range. There’s also Awa Fam, the 19-year-old 6-foot-6 center from Spain who is a bit unpolished, but brings sky-high potential.

With the Women's Final Four complete, all eyes turn towards the 2026 WNBA Draft. The WNBA draft takes place Monday, April 13, in New York, and this year's event has a different feel. Unlike the last two drafts, where Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were consensus No. 1 overall picks, this year's top spot is up for grabs. After an exciting March Madness, it's time to see who helped their stock and who fell down the draft board. Is Awa Fam still at the top? Is Azzi Fudd a top-five draft pick? Who vaulted into the first round?

Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft: 1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

• After a stellar NCAA Tournament run, Betts has done enough to earn consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. While the Bruins center will need to work on shooting more baskets in the mid-range and later from deep, she can be inserted into Dallas's lineup when the season starts on May 8. Her length and size make her an immediate threat in the post, along with her passing abilities and rebounding prowess.

2. Minnesota Lynx: Olivia Miles, G, TCU

• Minnesota doesn't struggle to move the ball, but adding Miles into the mix gives the Lynx the ability to take their offensive movement up a level. The TCU guard has a high basketball IQ, which should help her with the rookie learning curve on a team with championship aspirations. Head coach Cheryl Reeve can also bring out the best in Miles defensive skills as she adjusts to WNBA play.

3. Seattle Storm: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn

• Fudd had a very underwhelming NCAA Tournament aside from her second round game against Syracuse. The slump won't stop her from being drafted. The UConn guard's shot is still the purest in college basketball, and her ability to be an offensive threat at any moment is something you don't see as often at the rookie level. Fudd also rarely wastes a movement or a shot, making her a prime candidate to draft.

5. Chicago Sky: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA

• Until veteran Courtney Vandersloot returns, the Sky need a guard who can facilitate, score when needed and defend. Rice, who finished a career year in a UCLA uniform, has proven she can do it all. The senior guard has improved her ability to read opposing defenses, maintain patience with solid footwork and recover in help defense. Rice would also take some pressure off Hailey Van Lith, who struggled during her rookie season.

6. Toronto Tempo: Flau'jae Johnson, G, LSU

• Johnson has a score-first mentality, and she does it in a variety of ways: midrange, downhill in the paint and from the 3-point line. She's one of the top defensive guards in the 2026 class, and if she can improve her defensive awareness at the pro level, she can become an elite two-way guard. Head coach Sandy Brondello should also be a tremendous asset to Johnson's growth.

7. Portland Fire: Ta'Niya Latson, G, South Carolina

• Latson's NCAA Tournament run was a mixed bag. That shouldn't hurt her WNBA draft stock, but it wasn't hard to notice as the level of competition rose (with games against TCU, UConn and UCLA), she struggled to find her shot or ways to contribute. At the pro level, she'll be asked to do more, and she'll need to lean into her aggressiveness to have success.

8. Golden State Valkyries: Gabriela Jaquez, G, UCLA

• If a team gives her any space, Jaquez will make them pay. The guard can do it all, with assists, 3-pointers, in the paint, on the boards or by creating a steal. She should fit well within Golden State's "hard hat and lunch pail" culture, where they pride themselves on having energy on both sides of the ball.

9. Washington Mystics: Raven Johnson, G South Carolina

• While Johnson has proven she can score when needed, it's her facilitation skills and defense that will make her a top 10 pick. The South Carolina guard does a great job of feeding her bigs and spreading the offense out to find the best shot. She is also a lockdown defender who leaves little room for error and isn't afraid of anyone on a court, regardless of size.

10. Indiana Fever: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA

• Kneepkens ended her college career shooting nearly 50-40-90, which is impressive and rare in today's college landscape. The UCLA guard's game isn't flashy, but it's often timely. Kneepkens knows how to step into the big moments, as she did in the national championship when she delivered two massive 3-point baskets during an extended Bruins' run.

13. Atlanta Dream: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina

• Atlanta needs depth. Adding Okot would help the Dream with their post presence and perimeter shooting. The South Carolina big can score from multiple levels and will crash the glass. If Atlanta brings veteran center Brittney Griner back, Okot would learn from one of the best in league history at the position.

14. Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez, F, TCU

• Suarez's NCAA Tournament run wasn't great, but she did have a breakout game against Virginia during the Sweet 16, which included a career high 33 points plus 10 rebounds. The outing was a glimpse of Suarez at her best, which could entice Seattle to add Suarez as depth now and starter later.

15. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss

• McMahon would work well in a young core of players like Saniya Rivers, Leila Lacan, Aaliyah Edwards and Aneesah Morrow. The Ole Miss forward is a utility piece that the Sun could utilize to its advantage. She does most of her damage in the paint ― Connecticut's specialty ― and could also help facilitate, if needed. Once McMahon gets crisper as a defender, she'll be dynamite at the next level.

1 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

With the Women's Final Four complete, all eyes turn towards the 2026 WNBA Draft. The WNBA draft takes place Monday, April 13, in New York, and this year's event has a different feel. Unlike the last two drafts, where Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were consensus No. 1 overall picks, this year's top spot is up for grabs. After an exciting March Madness, it's time to see who helped their stock and who fell down the draft board. Is Awa Fam still at the top? Is Azzi Fudd a top-five draft pick? Who vaulted into the first round?

Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft: 1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

• After a stellar NCAA Tournament run, Betts has done enough to earn consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. While the Bruins center will need to work on shooting more baskets in the mid-range and later from deep, she can be inserted into Dallas's lineup when the season starts on May 8. Her length and size make her an immediate threat in the post, along with her passing abilities and rebounding prowess.

1 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

With the Women's Final Four complete, all eyes turn towards the 2026 WNBA Draft. The WNBA draft takes place Monday, April 13, in New York, and this year's event has a different feel. Unlike the last two drafts, where Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were consensus No. 1 overall picks, this year's top spot is up for grabs. After an exciting March Madness, it's time to see who helped their stock and who fell down the draft board. Is Awa Fam still at the top? Is Azzi Fudd a top-five draft pick? Who vaulted into the first round?

Here's USA TODAY's latest 2026 WNBA mock draft: 1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA

• After a stellar NCAA Tournament run, Betts has done enough to earn consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. While the Bruins center will need to work on shooting more baskets in the mid-range and later from deep, she can be inserted into Dallas's lineup when the season starts on May 8. Her length and size make her an immediate threat in the post, along with her passing abilities and rebounding prowess.

2 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

2. Minnesota Lynx: Olivia Miles, G, TCU

• Minnesota doesn't struggle to move the ball, but adding Miles into the mix gives the Lynx the ability to take their offensive movement up a level. The TCU guard has a high basketball IQ, which should help her with the rookie learning curve on a team with championship aspirations. Head coach Cheryl Reeve can also bring out the best in Miles defensive skills as she adjusts to WNBA play.

3 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

3. Seattle Storm: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn

• Fudd had a very underwhelming NCAA Tournament aside from her second round game against Syracuse. The slump won't stop her from being drafted. The UConn guard's shot is still the purest in college basketball, and her ability to be an offensive threat at any moment is something you don't see as often at the rookie level. Fudd also rarely wastes a movement or a shot, making her a prime candidate to draft.

4 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

5. Chicago Sky: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA

• Until veteran Courtney Vandersloot returns, the Sky need a guard who can facilitate, score when needed and defend. Rice, who finished a career year in a UCLA uniform, has proven she can do it all. The senior guard has improved her ability to read opposing defenses, maintain patience with solid footwork and recover in help defense. Rice would also take some pressure off Hailey Van Lith, who struggled during her rookie season.

5 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

6. Toronto Tempo: Flau'jae Johnson, G, LSU

• Johnson has a score-first mentality, and she does it in a variety of ways: midrange, downhill in the paint and from the 3-point line. She's one of the top defensive guards in the 2026 class, and if she can improve her defensive awareness at the pro level, she can become an elite two-way guard. Head coach Sandy Brondello should also be a tremendous asset to Johnson's growth.

6 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

7. Portland Fire: Ta'Niya Latson, G, South Carolina

• Latson's NCAA Tournament run was a mixed bag. That shouldn't hurt her WNBA draft stock, but it wasn't hard to notice as the level of competition rose (with games against TCU, UConn and UCLA), she struggled to find her shot or ways to contribute. At the pro level, she'll be asked to do more, and she'll need to lean into her aggressiveness to have success.

7 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

8. Golden State Valkyries: Gabriela Jaquez, G, UCLA

• If a team gives her any space, Jaquez will make them pay. The guard can do it all, with assists, 3-pointers, in the paint, on the boards or by creating a steal. She should fit well within Golden State's "hard hat and lunch pail" culture, where they pride themselves on having energy on both sides of the ball.

8 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

9. Washington Mystics: Raven Johnson, G South Carolina

• While Johnson has proven she can score when needed, it's her facilitation skills and defense that will make her a top 10 pick. The South Carolina guard does a great job of feeding her bigs and spreading the offense out to find the best shot. She is also a lockdown defender who leaves little room for error and isn't afraid of anyone on a court, regardless of size.

9 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

10. Indiana Fever: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA

• Kneepkens ended her college career shooting nearly 50-40-90, which is impressive and rare in today's college landscape. The UCLA guard's game isn't flashy, but it's often timely. Kneepkens knows how to step into the big moments, as she did in the national championship when she delivered two massive 3-point baskets during an extended Bruins' run.

10 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

13. Atlanta Dream: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina

• Atlanta needs depth. Adding Okot would help the Dream with their post presence and perimeter shooting. The South Carolina big can score from multiple levels and will crash the glass. If Atlanta brings veteran center Brittney Griner back, Okot would learn from one of the best in league history at the position.

11 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

14. Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez, F, TCU

• Suarez's NCAA Tournament run wasn't great, but she did have a breakout game against Virginia during the Sweet 16, which included a career high 33 points plus 10 rebounds. The outing was a glimpse of Suarez at her best, which could entice Seattle to add Suarez as depth now and starter later.

12 / 12

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

15. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss

• McMahon would work well in a young core of players like Saniya Rivers, Leila Lacan, Aaliyah Edwards and Aneesah Morrow. The Ole Miss forward is a utility piece that the Sun could utilize to its advantage. She does most of her damage in the paint ― Connecticut's specialty ― and could also help facilitate, if needed. Once McMahon gets crisper as a defender, she'll be dynamite at the next level.

And then there’s Fudd, a product UConn − the most successful program in women’s college basketball. Should the Dallas Wings take her with the top pick, she would be the seventh player coached by 12-time champion Geno Auriemma to go No. 1 overall.

“I look at Dallas and I wonder, are they going to focus more on positional need for the future? Because when it comes to post players, it's been a little inconsistent, right? So that's the only cause for pause that I have,” ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike, a former No. 1 overall pick in 2014 said. “Are they going to take the best shooter or for-sure player, or are they going to look a little bit more positionally?

“It’s tough. I see Azzi’s skill set and she’s a sure bet. And one thing that translates is shooting.”

Like any draft prospect, there are arguments for and against Fudd having success in the WNBA.

The positives start with her offensive abilities. Fudd nearly had a 50-40-90 season this year for the dominant Huskies, shooting 48.1% from the floor, 44.7% from 3-point land and 95.5% from the free throw line. In a more prominent scoring role this year for UConn, she averaged 17.3 points and 3.1 assists per game.

Since 2009 — which is as far back as the databases for the women’s basketball analytics and statistics website Her Hoop Stats goes — Fudd is one of four players to average at least 17 points, three assists and 6.5 3-point attempts per game while shooting better than 44% from behind the arc. The others were Army’s Kelsey Minato in 2015-16, Gianna Kneepkens last season at Utah and Oklahoma’s Taylor Robertson in the 2021-22 campaign.

She’s underrated as a defender too, and this season ranked third in defensive win shares (2.8) and was 15th nationally in defensive rating (72.4).

Fudd was an All-American this season and is a two-time All-Big East selection. Last year, she was named the Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four after scoring a combined 43 points in wins over UCLA and South Carolina en route to UConn’s first national title since 2016.

“That’s who I would take No. 1 if I was a general manager,” ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo told USA TODAY Sports. “She's gonna fit in seamlessly. She's one of the greatest shooters we've seen in college. Her efficiency of movement, the way she has expanded her game — it's not just 3s. She's incredible in the mid-range, she's become a really next level defender out on the perimeter. I think she is WNBA-ready today. I think she has WNBA All-Star potential as a rookie.”

The knocks on Fudd begin with her injury history. She was tabbed as the high school National Player of the Year in 2019 and in 2021 was a McDonald’s All-American. A product of St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C., ESPN ranked her as the best prospect in the 2021 class.

But after the end of her high school season in 2019, Fudd tore the ACL and MCL in her right knee while competing in a 3-on-3 tournament. Her senior season of high school ball was limited by a foot sprain.

The injury bug followed her to UConn. She missed 11 games as a freshman due to a foot injury, then 22 games of her sophomore season due to a knee injury. She played two games in the 2023-24 season before tearing the ACL in her right knee again.

For the past two seasons, Fudd has been healthy and helped UConn go 75-4 with a national championship.

While Fudd avoided injuries this season, she didn’t finish strong. In her final three games for the Huskies — the Sweet 16 through their Final Four loss to South Carolina — Fudd averaged 10.3 points per game on 32% shooting from the floor while turning the ball over 2.6 times a game.

Experts believe that WNBA teams shouldn’t be deterred from drafting her high.

“She's a great fit anywhere. When you can shoot the way she can shoot — it's different than a post player,” Lobo said. “Everybody can use a shooter and somebody who has the versatile skill set that she has.”

Fudd proved at other points this season she can shine under bright lights. She tallied 27 points and seven assists in a win over Tennessee, scored 31 points in a narrow non-conference win over Michigan and dropped a career-high 34 points in a second-round March Madness victory over Syracuse.

Should Fudd get selected with the top pick by the Dallas Wings, it will reunite her with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers and put her in new coach Jose Fernandez’s scheme that emphasizes constant motion on offense and 3-pointers.

“I’m interested in what Jose’s going to be able to do in Dallas,” Carter said. “Obviously, Paige and Azzi have played together before, so you trust that chemistry on the court. I think any system that he tries to put in place, having a knock down 3-point shooter would be helpful.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will UConn's Azzi Fudd be the No. 1 pick in 2026 WNBA Draft?