“They’ve changed my life, those are my sisters.” When Paige Bueckers said this after getting drafted, we were all reminded of how close-knit the UConn team really is. They went to war together, watching each other’s backs through criticism and flame aplenty. If there was one team that deserved a natty this year off of storylines alone, it would definitely be the Huskies.

Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong, and Azzi Fudd held down the fort alongside coach Geno this year, but the whole roster played a huge role. Even with the spotlight on those three, it was clear that every single Husky was in it to win it. There were some silent assassins in the team for sure! Players like Kaitlyn Chen and Aubrey Griffin did what was asked of them, and they did it quietly.

And even amidst all of the lights and cameras, Bueckers didn’t forget about her sisters. “I think two teams or one team would be genius to add Kaitlyn Chen and Aubrey Griffin to their team so I think they should get drafted tonight.” She said, and the WNBA teams were listening! Chen and Griffin both got drafted in the third round, heading to Golden State and Minnesota, respectively.

When Kaitlyn Chen got drafted, however, the Huskies really showed out for their senior guard! Every single UConn player that came to support Chen donned a Valkyries hat, ditching Bueckers and her WNBA loyalties. The Golden State Valkyries official X account posted a video of them celebrating the former Husky. “@UConnWBB really said “we’re all Valks now.” Of course, it was all in good fun, but fans got really excited by the post.

After all, Azzi Fudd is set to declare for the WNBA draft next year, and the expansion team has its eyes on the UConn powerhouse. Valks fans are desperate to have the five-foot-eleven shooter on their team, but what exactly are they saying?

Valks fans react to UConn’s shift in loyalty, set their sights on Paige Bueckers’ teammate

UConn repped the Valkyries merch with too much confidence, and now Azzi Fudd is paying the price! The new expansion team is set to make its WNBA debut this season, and fans are already strategizing for next year’s draft class. After Golden State’s post on X, social media went wild with one particular request for the new organization.

Fans were desperate to acquire the defending champions’ star shooter—Azzi Fudd. “Just make sure y’all remember Azzi rep the Valkyries before anybody in the 2026 draft class for the no. 1 pick.” One user said on X, and it made sense. After all, who wouldn’t want the MOP on their team? It was a common sentiment in the Valkyries’ X comment section. “azzi could actually be a valkyrie next season if we play our cards right!” A fan said, pointing out that their dreams can turn into reality!

Fudd had a spectacular senior season as a Husky. She averaged 13.6 points on 43% from three, and 91% from the foul-line. And when she put the Valks hat on? Fans went mad. “Tell Azzi to keep that hat on.” A few fans said on X.

The Bay Area fans are absolutely relentless in their pursuit of greatness. “Hoping for Azzi Fudd in the Bay please!!!” a supporter said, while another asked them to figure the logistics out ahead of time. “please figure out how to get azzi. thank you.”

The five-foot-eleven guard turns up when you need her. She put up needed contributions in both the Final Four and the championship game, and she can definitely turn a franchise around. It will be interesting to see how she manages all the pressure without Bueckers by her side. Will she end up as a top prospect and head towards the Bay Area? Only time will tell.