A casual bystander might never guess by looking at her expression that Azzi Fudd netted a historic 3-point shooting contest, scoring 30 points in the final round to oust Portland Fire forward Bridgeton Carleton and become the first rookie to win the All-Star competition title.
The Dallas Wings' guard took the court first in the one-on-one face-off, missing only six shots and hitting a back-breaking money ball. This achievement earned her a record $60,000 in prize money, combining the increased $20,000 from the new collective bargaining agreement and a $40,000 commitment from Aflac.
Fudd's victory marks a significant milestone, as she is the first UConn player to win the competition. Her performance has silenced critics who questioned the Dallas Wings' decision to select her as the heavily debated No. 1 overall pick in April's collegiate draft.
Veteran teammate Alysha Clark and Jessica Shepard supported Fudd from the sidelines, as Wings front office personnel watched from the opposite corner of the Wintrust Arena court. When her final bucket swished with plenty of time to spare, Dallas' executive vice president and general manager Curt Miller delivered a singular, collected first-pump.
Fudd's success is no surprise to those who have seen her in action. She has consistently demonstrated her skills in the gym, and her teammates have known all along that she is a force to be reckoned with. "You say only missed six shots, and that feels like a lot," Fudd said. "I should have made more."
Fudd's performance has also put her in a unique position, as she will forever be measured up to Olivia Miles, the No. 2 overall pick who has solidified her place as a legend-in-the-making. Miles will play in the All-Star Game at the United Center on Saturday as the only 2026 All-Star rookie selection.
Miles' impressive numbers and professional ease have made her an MVP favorite, but Fudd's victory has shown that she is a worthy competitor. She has staked her claim to All-Star status and will be remembered as the first rookie to win the All-Star competition title.
The group selected Fudd as the No. 1 overall pick, and she has proven that she was worth the investment. Her defensive tenacity on the perimeter can change games for the Dallas Wings, and her offense is showing up, with an average of 3 3s per game and a shooting percentage of 38.8% from the perimeter.
Fudd's greatest power is her ability to shoot with precision and fluidity, a skill that she has honed through years of practice and dedication. Her movements are fluid, a carbon copy of her mother, WNBA draft pick Katie Smrcka-Duffy Fudd. "I mean, if they'll have me, I'd be honored to be here again," Fudd said, when asked if she was looking forward to competing again in the 3-point contest.
With the same even-keeled demeanor as she delivered with the winning basket, Fudd said she hasn't thought about the fact that she could overtake Allie Quigley, the record four-time 3-point contest winner. However, she has mulled over taking on another 3-point champ and good friend, the one who put her on the map with praise for her shot mechanics – NBA champion Stephen Curry. "Steph, if you're listening, I've been asking for a rematch since high school," Fudd said. "This is our time to figure out a time and a place."
Source: Yahoo Sports