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Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'I do not remember talking to you': Azzi Fudd reveals she barely spoke to Paige Bueckers off the court when they first met and still felt instant connection
' I do not remember talking to you': Azzi Fudd reveals she barely spoke to Paige Bueckers off the court when they first met and still felt instant connection (Image Via Image) Azzi Fudd shared a very honest story about how her relationship with Paige Bueckers started. The 22-year-old UConn senior was featured on Instagram's Close Friends Only podcast on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, with her girlfriend, Paige Bueckers. Paige Bueckers is 23 years old and had recently signed with the Dallas Wings after she graduated from the University of Connecticut. The two made their relationship public earlier this summer during a WAG Talk red carpet interview. The duo revealed how, when, and where they first met. Azzi Fudd said the connection started almost right away, much earlier than most people think. Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers explain how they met at USA Basketball Camp Azzi Fudd told fans that she first met Paige Bueckers in high school at a USA Basketball camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 'On the court, we clicked. I do not remember talking to you off the court, but I remember the plane ride to Minnesota and really liking you,' Azzi Fudd said on the podcast. Paige Bueckers smiled and joked that they both 'have different stories' about that moment. Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd | Close Friends Only with Instagram Paige Bueckers added that she already felt strong chemistry with Azzi Fudd while they played together at the camp. Both players later committed to the University of Connecticut and became teammates for the UConn Huskies. They also won the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship together at UConn before Paige Bueckers entered the WNBA and was picked No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings. The couple said that it felt natural when they finally made their relationship public in June 2025. Also Read: 'Fake It For A Minute': Naomi Osaka Refuses To Acknowledge Victoria Mboko In Canadian Open Speech As Sam Querrey Calls Her Behavior Unacceptable Paige Bueckers shares what she loves most about Azzi Fudd off the court Paige Bueckers claimed during the same podcast episode that she sensed the chemistry with Azzi Fudd not just on the basketball court but also in daily living. 'Going to a nice restaurant and getting something good to eat. Chilling and watching a show, playing video games,' Paige Bueckers said when describing her ideal day off with Azzi Fudd. Azzi Fudd also shared kind words about her girlfriend, calling Paige Bueckers her 'favorite WNBA player' and saying she likes how Paige Bueckers always puts other people first. 'You are super giving,' Azzi Fudd added, as Paige Bueckers smiled during the interview. Fans on Instagram said the full episode showed how close and honest the couple are and praised them for opening up about their relationship in a simple and loving way. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who are Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd's favorite NBA, WNBA players? The couple reveals the same in Instagram podcast chat
Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd appeared on a podcast (Image via Getty images) For years, basketball fans have admired Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. This time, however, the focus was on their most recent podcast rather than a hoop. They recently made an appearance on the Close Friends Only podcast on Instagram. From basketball players to the biggest misunderstanding in their relationship, the WNBA All-Star and her former UConn teammate and partner talked about a lot of things. They also flaunted each other's skills and discussed their favorite NBA and WNBA players. Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd discuss their favorite basketball idols on the recent Instagram podcast Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers were close friends when they were teammates at UConn. It later developed into a relationship. After keeping it hidden for a while, especially around the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis, they officially announced the news. Now, they have made an appearance on an Instagram podcast. During the same, when Azzi Fudd asked who her favorite NBA player was, Paige Bueckers took Stephen Curry 's name. The UConn Huskies player then said: 'I love the way he plays. Watch him shoot… This quick release. The way he moves the ball, I think, is incredible. Yeah, that's me. I want to add to my game…' The Dallas Wings player added: 'Oh, yeah, that's a good one to add to your bag. Yeah, him and Kyrie are my favorites. Just like must watch TV every single time they play… Azzi Fudd further asked: 'So if Kyrie were to give you some ball-handling drills to work on, but to do it?' Her partner answered that she would do it because it's Kyrie. Then, when Paige Bueckers asked her partner, who her favorite WNBA player was, she answered, 'Probably Paige Becker…' Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fuddn are WNBA icons (Image via Getty Images) The Dallas Wings star then joked and said: 'I was about to say mine's you don't want to know me to be in here…' The UConn Huskies star continued: 'Second choice, I'm gonna go with Napheesa. She's a dog. Everything about her game is just perfect…' She then questioned her partner: 'Who's your favorite WNBA player? You can't say yourself…' The guard then answered: 'If I had to pick non-form my teammate, yeah, it would probably be Phee [Napheesa]. I think it was the first game of the season. She tried to feed me up like I was baby food or something. So clearly that lesson didn't teach you much…' The lighthearted conversation between the couple offered their fans a glimpse into their relationship, their shared appreciation of the game, and the basketball legends that motivate them. Also read: What did Sophie Cunningham's mother say? Her humorous prediction comes true as toy lands near daughter in WNBA game Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Wings' Paige Bueckers Reveals Favorite WNBA Player Without Hesitation
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Paige Bueckers has taken the WNBA by storm in her rookie season with the Dallas Wings. After being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Bueckers has not disappointed. Following her final season in college with the UConn Huskies that resulted in a national championship, Bueckers faced immense hype and expectations. She has lived up to all of the outside noise. While the Wings still are not winning at a high level, Bueckers has changed their franchise outlook. Dallas has hope for the future. With the right moves around Bueckers, the team could very well become a contender in the near future. Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings looks on against the Indiana Fever during the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 12, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings looks on against the Indiana Fever during the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 12, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo bySo far during her rookie season, Bueckers has played in 26 games. She has averaged 18.4 points per game to go along with 5.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals, while also shooting 45.2 percent from the floor and knocking down 32.6 percent of her three-point attempts. Read more: Caitlin Clark's Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift Message Turns Heads To say that the 23-year-old guard has already become a star would be an understatement. Bueckers is already starting to reach superstar status in the WNBA. With that being said, Bueckers made an appearance on the a recent episode of "Close Friends Only." One of the questions she was asked had to do with who her favorite WNBA player was. Of course, Bueckers has quite a few former teammates playing in the WNBA. Outside of her former teammates, she named Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier as her favorite player in the league. "If I had to pick non-former teammate, yeah, it would probably be Phee," Bueckers said. Bueckers also shared a funny story about when Collier tried to post her up early in her career. "I think it was the first game of the season. She tried to post me up like I was baby food or something, so clearly that lesson didn't teach you much," she joked. Azzi Fudd also appeared on the episode with Bueckers. She was asked the same question and quickly named Bueckers as her favorite WNBA player. "Probably Paige Bueckers," Fudd said. If Bueckers wasn't an option, Fudd stated that Collier was also her choice. "Second choice, I'm gonna go with Naphee. Everything about her game is just perfect," Fudd said. Read more: Sophie Cunningham Could Receive Another WNBA Fine After Latest Remarks So far this season in Buckers' rookie year, the Wings have gone 9-24. It hasn't been the most fun year, but the rebuild is in a much better place than it was a year ago. Next up for Dallas will be a home matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday night. Make sure to follow Newsweek Sports for all Dallas Wings and WNBA news and updates.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Q&A: Azzi Fudd dishes on Paige Bueckers, UConn life, and more
UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd is up for the challenge that life brings. The Huskies star is entering her fifth season with head coach Geno Auriemma and the program. Under Auriemma's guidance, Fudd has numerous accolades to her name, including making the 2022 Big East All-Freshman Team and the 2025 First-team All-Big East team. Fudd also had a fantastic NCAA Tournament run with UConn this year as the program took home its 12th championship under Auriemma. During the tournament, she also earned Most Outstanding Player honors. As she prepares for the next phase in her hoops career, Fudd connected with Instagram and its Close Friends Only podcast to dive into her connection with Paige Bueckers, basketball, how she uses the app to stay connected to friends and more. Fudd told For the Win that she thought the whole experience would be fun and cool, and there was another thing that enticed her. "To do it with Paige [Bueckers] is another perk," she said. (We agree, Azzi Fudd. We agree.) For The Win chatted with Fudd about life at UConn, her favorite WNBA players, Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (and, of course, Bueckers), plus what she really thinks about her famous "People's Princess" nickname. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Why are Napheesa Collier and Paige Bueckers your favorite WNBA players? Are there any parts of their games that you would add to yours? Napheesa [Collier's] my favorite. I just think she is such a talented and skilled player and watching her play, it's just flawless. I would definitely take her footwork. She makes it look so easy, and I feel like no matter what ― she's one of those unguardable players because she always has a counter to what the defense is doing. There's nothing you can do to kind of stop her, which I love. ... You can tell she's a boss, and I love it. But she's also very chill throughout the game. And Paige [Bueckers], I love watching her play. I think she brings so much to the game, on both ends of the floor, and I love her energy and her passion that she plays with. You can tell how much she loves the game, but I definitely wouldn't take anything from a game because I'm better than her. [laughs] I would take her passing. She's a great passer. Do you feel any pressure now as the leader of UConn women's basketball? No, I don't feel any pressure. I'm excited. I think it's definitely gonna be a challenge for me because it's kind of outside of my comfort zone to use my voice as much. That's something I don't really do, but something that I know I need to work on. So, I love a challenge, and you know everyone's challenging me. So I gotta step up and do it. So I'm excited for that. Is there any advice that Geno Auriemma gave you about taking over? I think, you know, what the coaches have just been saying is, "You've been here the longest. You know what you're doing. You know what you're talking about. So trust that." What past UConn legends have shared wisdom with you? Sue [Bird] always has a bunch of wisdom, and I texted her about talking to her just to pick her brain, ask some questions, because when you think about leaders, I mean, UConn has created so many incredible basketball players. But I feel like when you think of one of the best generals, you think of her. So just picking her brain. I wanna pick her brain and ask her things and just how it was for her and how she's been able to be this incredible leader. We heard you like cooking videos. What's your best dish you would put up against anybody? My teammates make fun of me for everything I make because I'm healthy, and so they think everything is gross. Also, I only cook for myself. You know, when you cook for yourself, it's what you wanna eat and whatever. I feel like I love making breakfast. ... Or last year I made a bunch of salmon bowls, so with like quinoa, some sort of green, a grain, salmon and like other veggies on top. I'm also probably the biggest cottage cheese fan you'll ever meet. So I always put cottage cheese in whenever I'm eating, which is a hot take, but I'll stand by it any day of the week. But I do make a good salmon bowl. ...I feel like stir fry is another go-to. How do you feel about your "People's Princess" nickname? I mean I feel like when someone gives you a nickname, the odds it being a good nickname like this are very low like. I think this is a great nickname. I feel like there could be some really bad ones people came up with. So I'm, I'm happy that it was this. Will you continue using it this season? I have no idea. I don't talk about myself, I don't say like, "Oh,. I'm Azzi. You can call me the "people's princess." I don't say that. So [if] people continue to call me that, I won't be upset. But if people stop, then that's fine. Who is someone that you admire in women's college basketball that you feel like deserves more recognition? I'm gonna go with Ashlynn Shade and KK Arnold. I admire them a lot, and I feel like they could never have enough recognition for what they do and what they bring on and off the court for our team ― just the energy, the intensity and just the constant work ethic they have. I feel like they're two staples and a big part of the core of our team.
Fox News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
After years in his dad's shadow, Kiyan Anthony charts his own path to Syracuse while strengthening family bond
Kiyan Anthony has had eyeballs on him for years, being a top NBA prospect throughout high school. But that number has always been multiplied, given who his father is. His dad is soon-to-be Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time All-Star and widely regarded as one of the best pure scorers in basketball history. Kiyan, like his dad, is going to play college basketball at Syracuse, in his own words, for two years "max." And now that his dad's playing days are over, Carmelo is "more hands on deck." "I wouldn't say we're closer (than when he was playing). I would just say he's more like more hands on deck, more foot on ground. So just him being there at my games, him being there, me able to go to his house and just spend a day with him, I feel like that was some stuff that we were missing while he was traveling, while he was in the league," Kiyan said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "So me being able to spend more time with him off the court and him investing all his time into me on the court, whether it's working out, and him coming to my games, I feel like that's what's bought us closer about our bonding, our connection was always there, but it just kind of got stronger and it kind of grew." Some father-son bonding came in a collaboration with Meta, where the duo filmed an episode of "Close Friends Only" to celebrate Father's Day, where they talked about their relationship, basketball, and regular dad-to-son talking points. "Being able to collab with Meta and Instagram and show our other side off the court, just showing our personality and the bond that me and my dad have, I feel like that was a great outlet to do so. And it was really fun working with them. And I feel like that's why we did it," Kiyan said. "People see him all the time at my games on the sideline, but never really see, like, our real connection off the court. So, I feel like doing these collaborations and these interviews and these podcasts, it gives us another chance to really show the fans like the type of bond that we're building and the type of connection we have." Kiyan admitted that there used to be some "pressure" to live up to the hype, especially with his bloodline. But at the end of the day, his NBA dreams are his, not his dad's. "To be honest, early in my career, I wasn't even that good at basketball. So just having a lot of opinions and people saying I'm not that good and my dad not being there because he was still in the league, just me trying to handle it by myself," Kiyan said. "But as I started getting better, as I kept working, people started to kind of take my side, so now I got a lot of fans. Obviously, it's a lot of haters out there, a lot of mixed opinions, but, you know, I'm just driving, and I look forward to every game, having a big fan base there. I know everywhere I go, there's going to be a lot of eyes on me. So I just try to present myself in the best way possible every time I step out." "My dad was never the type of person to force me on that I had to play basketball, that I had to do what he did. So he kind of just let me rock and kind of let me make my own decisions, but it just so happened that this is what I wanted to do, and this is what I fell in love with," he continued. "So now I have the chance in following his footsteps to go to his school, hopefully win some games. Obviously, the NBA is the main goal, but whether I go to school for one year or two years, it's always going to be there. So just trying to better every day. This is what I want to do. I had a long talk with my dad about that the other day, I was actually just telling him, like, this is what I want to do, and I'm super locked in." The first step to living up to the Anthony name is starring for the Orange, where Melo won a championship in 2003. It's been up and down for Syracuse in recent years, but the younger Anthony is ready to bring back the glory days. "My dad won a national championship. Obviously, that's the main goal, but even if I go in there and win some games, make it to the tournament, win a couple games in the tournament, I feel like that's a huge success, because the past couple years, they've been off the grid," Kiyan admitted. "They haven't been making a tournament. They haven't been winning a lot of games in conference. So, I'll just try to go in there and really just bring the fan base back, bring what Syracuse is about, and everybody knows what it's about. They just haven't had the success these past few years." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
