Former UConn stars Azzi Fudd and Serah Williams made their WNBA preseason debuts this week, and while the results were mixed, the flashes of brilliance were unmistakable. Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, stepped onto the court for the Dallas Wings against the Indiana Fever on Thursday night, and she wasted no time making an impression. Less than a minute into the game, she calmly dribbled into a textbook mid-range jumper over Fever superstar Caitlin Clark—her first bucket as a pro. It was the kind of smooth, confident play that made her a legend at UConn.

But the league quickly reminded her that nothing comes easy. Fudd found herself in foul trouble early, picking up three fouls in just eight minutes of first-half action. It was an uncharacteristic stretch for a player who averaged less than a foul per game during her final college season. The whistles disrupted her rhythm, and she finished the night with just four points on 2-for-7 shooting in 16 minutes. Still, there's a silver lining: she didn't commit a single foul after halftime, showing the poise and adaptability that made her a top pick. Wings coach Jose Fernandez isn't worried. "She had those three, but we tried to get her on some flares and pin-downs," he said. "She'll be fine. I liked her aggressiveness off the bounce. It's good to get one under her belt, and now we move on to Sunday."

Meanwhile, another UConn legend stole the show. Paige Bueckers, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, put on a clinic in the same game, dropping 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting, including 4-for-6 from deep, along with three assists and a steal in just 20 minutes. Her performance powered the Wings to a comfortable 95-80 win. "My teammates just setting me good screens, point guards doing a really good job of helping get me open," Bueckers said. "Really it's just a testament to my teammates getting me open and helping me get those open looks."

For Fudd, it was a tough but valuable lesson. The preseason is all about shaking off the rust and adjusting to the speed of the pro game. With the Wings set to face the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, she'll have another chance to find her groove. And if history is any guide, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a stellar career. Keep an eye on these former Huskies—they're just getting started.