March 25, 2023, was the last time Azzi Fudd took to the stage in the NCAA tournament. That night, at Climate Pledge Arena, Fudd scored 14 points —the second-highest on her team—and grabbed three rebounds but couldn’t prevent a loss to Ohio State. This defeat fueled Fudd as she eyed a return to the grand stage. However, an ACL injury kept her out for over a year, and she only returned to action this season in November after sitting out the first three games. Now, she is on the brink of making her return to the NCAA tournament, with the Huskies scheduled to take on Arkansas State in the first round. But like last year, one question remains hanging above her head: Is this the last time Azzi Fudd competes in college?

This was the same question that propped up last year. She was eligible for the 2024 WNBA Draft, but staying at UConn was a no-brainer for her. Seeking redemption after the Sweet 16 defeat at the hands of Ohio State, the choice was obvious. “I plan on staying. Why would I want to leave the basketball capital of the world?” she told ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. No hesitation, no second-guessing. Fudd seemed fully committed to finishing her college career in Storrs. However, the decision isn’t that straightforward this time and her stance seems a little less certain.

During her March 18 interview with ESPN’s Elle Duncan, the star guard was pressed about her future. Fudd’s response was a tactical sidestep: “Um, I feel like I’ve been doing a great job of staying present. I mean, that selection show gave us a great, we’re just excited, I’m just excited and focused on what’s ahead, and I’ll make the decision when I need to with the coaches, my family. But right now, I’m just focused on Saturday,” she said.

You might feel that she gave yet another no-comment. But honestly, what else do you expect? This decision isn’t as easy as it seems. Her time at UConn has been anything but smooth. Coming in as the No. 1 high school recruit in 2021, expectations were sky-high. But instead of dominating from day one, Fudd has spent much of her college career battling injuries. A foot injury cost her 11 games as a freshman. A knee injury sidelined her for 22 more in her sophomore season. And last year a devastating ACL and meniscal tear ended her season just two games in.

So if you’re in Fudd’s shoes there is still a point to prove and the focus for now remains on the NCAA tournament as it should be. Her recent stance on her future is not too different from her comments on March 1, when she was preparing to walk as part of the Huskies’ senior day ceremony.

“I think I have to sit down and talk with my family, with the people closest to me, and just talk through the decisions, options,” Fudd said. “I’m a big pros-and-cons list-er to kind of get the emotions out, the feelings out, and just write down the facts. So I think a pros-and-cons list is in my near future.”

Against Arkansas, Azzi Fudd would be back on the biggest stage in college basketball after 728 long days. As the UConn Huskies chase another national championship, it is possible that the decision about her future will linger in the back of Fudd’s mind, but for now, she remains focused, aiming to go out on a high.

Now, in her fourth year at UConn, Fudd has finally found some rhythm. Her growth is undeniable, both on and off the court. Those around her see it. They know she’s still just scratching the surface of what she can become. And that’s where the dilemma comes in. Does she stay on in an attempt to cement her collegiate legacy and make up for lost time?

While she might not be saying much publicly, those closest to her have hinted at the weight of the moment when she finally makes a choice.

“Her motto all year is staying present in what’s happening right now,” Fudd’s father, Tim, told CT Insider on February 28. “It’s not a priority at this point in time to focus on that when they have an opportunity to do some really good things. … It’s bittersweet for me. If this was the end, it’s sad to say that UConn probably didn’t see the best of Azzi, and the best of her game is still yet to come.” That last line sticks. The best of her game is still yet to come.

She has played in just 66 games over four years for the Huskies, owing to injuries, but when fit and raring to go she has shown what she can produce. She is averaging 12.8 points per game with a 45.9% clip from the 3-point arc in 24 games this season. These figures have a potential first-round WNBA pick written all over them.

Whether she enters this year’s draft or waits until 2026, one thing is certain—Fudd will be a top pick for any team. Her elite shooting, smooth ball-handling, and ability to battle through adversity make her a valuable asset to any team. But if she stays at UConn? She’d be part of a growing trend of Huskies choosing to take full advantage of their extra year.

Dorka Juhász walked for Senior Day in both 2022 and 2023. Last year, Paige Bueckers and Aubrey Griffin did the same before announcing their return. Could Fudd be next?

During UConn’s Senior Day on March 2, Fudd acknowledged the emotions of the moment—but in classic fashion, she tried her best to push them aside: “No feels, I’m in denial. I’m actually not thinking about it at all. Hopefully, I’m gonna stay in denial until after the game, and then the emotions can come out. But I’m trying my hardest to not think about it.”

This season, she made her much-anticipated return in UConn’s fourth game. A few weeks later, another knee sprain forced her to miss more time. Still, she bounced back, determined to make an impact. With all eyes on the NCAA tournament, there is at least one person who believes Fudd will return for a fifth year- coach Geno Auriemma. In fact, she is trying her best to make the proposition of a fifth-year sound enticing for Fudd.

Geno Auriemma has a strategic route for Azzi Fudd

Just because she doesn’t want to think about it doesn’t mean others aren’t. And if Fudd won’t give a straight answer, her head coach might have done it for her. Since, Auriemma has seen it all—generational talent, tough decisions, and the weight of expectations, he made a compelling argument for why staying an extra year might be the smartest move.

“Who knows? I think she will. I think Azzi will. But again, I’m not the number one voice in their ear anymore, like I used to be. Now, there’s a lot of voices,” Auriemma said on March 17. Moreover, Auriemma has repeatedly stated that he wants to know whether his players plan to declare for the draft or return to school after their conference tournament. This allows the team to prepare well in advance for the next season.

It all comes down to timing. The WNBA’s upcoming collective bargaining agreement is set to change the financial landscape of the league, with better contracts and bigger paydays. It’s a strategic move—one that could benefit Fudd tremendously. “Besides, if she stays one more year, she’ll make more money next year when she goes into the draft,” Auriemma added.

Let’s not forget: Fudd is one of the most marketable athletes in college basketball. An extra season at UConn means another year to maximize her NIL earnings. With her brand power, staying in school for one more year could allow her to cash in now and still enter the WNBA in an even stronger position next season.

So, will she stick to what she said back in 2023? Or has time—and the bigger picture—changed her thinking?