Paige Bueckers made her position crystal clear at a Monday press conference: her personal life with Dallas Wings teammate Azzi Fudd is off limits. The former UConn teammates, now reunited on the WNBA roster, are drawing intense scrutiny over their relationship, but Bueckers indicated she will not entertain further questions on the subject.
"Quite frankly, I believe me and Azzi's personal relationship is nobody's business but our own, and what we choose to share is completely up to us," Bueckers said during her opening statement.
The two have known each other since their teenage years and spent four seasons together at UConn, capturing a national championship. Bueckers and Fudd confirmed they were dating last year, though the current status of their relationship remains unclear and has not been publicly discussed in detail.
Bueckers emphasized that the pair have maintained professional conduct throughout their time together and plan to continue doing so in Dallas. She dismissed any notion that her presence influenced the Wings' draft strategy when they selected Fudd with the No 1 overall pick this year.
"Azzi Fudd was a No 1 draft pick because she earned it, and it had nothing to do with me and everything to do with who she is as a human being, who she is a basketball player, her resilience, her strength and her career-best year at UConn," Bueckers said.
Fudd herself expressed enthusiasm about the reunion in remarks to Dallas' ABC affiliate WFAA following the draft. "Here I am, no control in where I get drafted, and I get to play with my best friend again. So it really is special," she said.
General Manager Curt Miller defended the selection through a careful evaluation process, citing Fudd's competitive drive, work ethic, and basketball acumen. He highlighted her shooting ability and described her as someone who elevates her teammates and possesses strong leadership qualities.
Bueckers was herself selected first overall by Dallas in the 2025 WNBA draft and earned rookie of the year honors in her inaugural season. The Wings open their season May 9 against the Indiana Fever, with Caitlin Clark on the roster.
The reunion creates a unique dynamic for a young franchise still building its foundation, adding star power while introducing the complication of two prominent players managing their off-court relationship in public view. Bueckers made clear that both athletes have experience navigating media attention and scrutiny, having spent years in the college basketball spotlight.
Author James Rodriguez: "Bueckers drawing a hard line on privacy is smart strategy, but the elephant in the locker room won't disappear just because she won't discuss it."
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