DHJ Quick Take: The Arrival in Arlington
- The Second Consecutive No. 1: For the second year in a row, Arlington is the center of the WNBA universe. Following Paige Bueckers‘ historic debut, Azzi Fudd‘s arrival completes a “back-to-back” UConn heist that has fundamentally shifted the Wings‘ trajectory from a lottery team to a national powerhouse.
- Tactical Transparency: Expect Jose Fernandez to elaborate on how Fudd’s 95.5% free-throw shooting and 45.5% mark from deep will be integrated into a lineup already featuring Arike Ogunbowale. This press conference is the first opportunity to hear the “Day 1” vision for a perimeter trio that is arguably the most skilled in league history.
- The “Storrs to Dallas” Pipeline: Fudd‘s transition is cushioned by her 49-game history with Bueckers. Thursday’s remarks will likely focus on that chemistry and her readiness to adapt to a frontcourt that was aggressively fortified during free agency with Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard.
- Setting the Tone: As Fudd officially meets the local media, the conversation will likely pivot from the “surreal” nature of the draft to the practical reality of the May 9 opener against the Indiana Fever.
DALLAS — Azzi Fudd will meet the media for the first time as a member of the Dallas Wings on Thursday, with an introductory press conference set to begin around 11 a.m. CT.
The press conference will mark Fudd’s official introduction to the Dallas market, two days after the Wings selected her with the No. 1 overall pick in Monday’s 2026 WNBA Draft. Fudd is expected to be joined by general manager Curt Miller and head coach Jose Fernandez.
Fudd continues the anticipation in Dallas following up No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers a year ago — and the second consecutive UConn guard taken first overall by the Wings. She averaged a career-high 17.7 points per game in her final season at UConn, leading all of Division I with 117 three-pointers made while shooting 48.9% from the floor, 45.5% on 3-pointers, and 95.5% on free throws. She leaves Storrs as the program’s all-time leader in free-throw percentage (92.5%) and a two-time national championship participant, including the 2025 title she won alongside Bueckers.
Dallas Hoops Journal will have full coverage of Thursday’s introductory press conference.
More Azzi Fudd & Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Dallas Wings Sign Kyla Oldacre And Grace Sullivan To Training Camp Contracts
- ‘We’ve Known For A Little While’: Greg Bibb On Why Azzi Fudd Was The Only Choice For Dallas
- ‘She Was The Right Fit’: Jose Fernandez And Curt Miller Detail Drafting Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings’ Free Agency Moves
- ‘Nothing I Could Have Imagined’: Azzi Fudd Reacts To Dallas Wings Selection And Paige Bueckers Reunion
- ‘Ecstatic To Add Her’: Curt Miller Breaks Down Azzi Fudd As No. 1 Pick For Dallas Wings
- Dallas Wings Select Azzi Fudd No. 1 Overall, Reuniting Her With Paige Bueckers
- Rebecca Lobo On Azzi Fudd Going No. 1 To Dallas Wings: ‘She Has WNBA All-Star Potential As A Rookie’
- ‘Our Top Target’: Dallas Wings Sign Reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player Of The Year Alanna Smith To Three-Year Max Deal
