Geno Auriemma might just be looking at a back-to-back championship with his UConn dominating the 2025-26 season. They are still undefeated and, more importantly, dominant in the season. Though it was players who delivered on the floor, Auriemma orchestrated the game for the championship side. Now, at WNBA. Jose Fernandez already has a plan for Paige Bueckers, but can use UConn coach’s guidance to fine-tune his tactics.
So, just before the start of the season and the WNBA draft, the former NCAAW coach met with the 12-time champion coach to pick his brain to take the franchise’s top player to another level.
Jose Fernandes’ Productive Meeting With Geno Auriemma
The Dallas Wings’ 2025 season might be a disappointing one with a bottom-place finish, but the front office now has a centerpiece to rebuild around and also a first overall pick to fast-track the process.
But before that, keeping the star player happy and utilizing her to the fullest was a must for the first-year coach. Fernandez mentioned that he met PB’s former coach and had a positive talk about some tools built from that to help Bueckers move forward.
Don't hold your breath waiting for her to slow down.
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) September 16, 2025
Paige Bueckers has officially been named the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year 🏁
𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣? pic.twitter.com/WoKpzHPv6x
Praising the 2025 rookie, he said, “It was a good understanding of how she responds to coaching, how she wants to be coached, and certain things with her, with the basketball, what she really likes.”
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The meeting would also have another meaning, which many have already been considering: drafting Azzi Fudd as the first overall pick.
Jose Fernandez Could Approve Azzi Fudd-Paige Bueckers’ Reunion
Paige Bueckers is not the only player to develop under Geno Auriemma, but the 2026 draft prospect Azzi Fudd is also one of the players coming from UConn’s camp. While there are speculations over the possibility of Fernandez moving in a different direction, meeting with the UConn coach might change his perspective, too.
Sarah Strong is the best player in the country and Azzi Fudd will be the top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft (assuming she stays healthy and current eligibility rules remain in the new CBA). https://t.co/W3jDBqkbUi
— Rebecca Lobo (@RebeccaLobo) November 22, 2025
Pairing two UConn players was one of the advantages of defeating Fudd in the first place, and with the most decorated coach guiding the Wings’ decision-making, it only makes sense to utilize his knowledge and tactics for both top picks.
Fans were already excited to see Azzi Fudd reuniting with Bueckers, and now the meet might just have sealed the deal.