The UConn Huskies extended their record of the most first overall picks in the WNBA following another top draw performance from their star player, Azzi Fudd. After much suspense over the possible top pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, the Dallas Wings selected Fudd as their first choice, and, shockingly, the coach who nurtured and developed the talent at Connecticut, Geno Auriemma, was absent from the draft event.
Interestingly, Auriemma’s advice altered Fudd’s draft decision, and on the biggest day of her professional career, the coach was not in the city either. The reason for his absence came out as many reporters and analysts tried to dig deep into the topic.
Geno Auriemma Misses Azzi Fudd’s Draft Night Due To Personal Reasons
One of the most decorated coaches in the NCAAW, Auriemma has been UConn’s head coach for over four decades and has won a record 12 titles. While he developed many WNBA superstars, he personally saw them enter the league. However, in 2026, he was absent from the draft to support Fudd.
ESPN’s Alexa Philippou cleared the reason as she shared a post on social media and wrote, “UConn coach Geno Auriemma is not attending the WNBA draft tonight. He is attending services for the husband of UConn program assistant (and his former player) Peggy Myers, who lost her husband, Norm, last month to brain cancer,” Philippou wrote.
FYI: UConn coach Geno Auriemma is not attending the WNBA draft tonight. He is attending services for the husband of UConn program assistant (and his former player) Peggy Myers, who lost her husband, Norm, last month to brain cancer
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 13, 2026
As per further updates, Auriemma spoke with potential No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd and her family about the situation before the draft. Instead of Auriemma, though, UConn’s Assistant coach, Morgan Valley, was at her table this evening representing the Huskies staff. Auriemma had a special relationship with the talented guard and spoke about Fudd’s mindset entering the final NCAA tournament.
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Even though the beloved coach was not present for the draft, his support, guidance and blessings will be there with the 2026 top pick, who will find it easier to transform to the pro level, joining her former teammate at the Wings. The duo could transform the bottom-placed team into a title contender with their gameplay.
Azzi Fudd Ready To Impact The WNBA With Paige Bueckers
Carmelo Anthony predicted Fudd would be the top pick in the 2026 draft and lauded the on-court connection between the two UConn stars. The Wings side will look to bank on the same and improve on its performance.
Adding Fudd to the lineup, the Wings have the fifth-best starting lineup in the league, but if the duo struck well in the league, they could quickly challenge the four teams above them for the title. With the Bueckers’ playmaking and Fudd’s efficient shooting, the team will find immediate improvement in its offense.
On the defensive end, the side added 2025 Defensive Player of the Year winner Alanna Smith, who would be a top rim protector, while Fudd and Bueckers showed their top draw perimeter defence, making the side better equipped at the defensive end too. Although the side might lack experience, they certainly are a challenging team for many contenders to overlook.