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Paige Bueckers has made it clear that her relationship with teammate and fellow former No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd will remain separate from their professional ambitions as they aim to help the Dallas Wings turn around a struggling franchise.
Speaking during media day at the University of Texas at Arlington, where the Wings host their home games, Bueckers addressed the topic before taking questions from reporters. Her comments came just days after Fudd's introductory press conference in Dallas, where the team avoided allowing questions about her personal relationship with Bueckers.
The pair, who publicly confirmed their relationship last year after winning a national championship together at UConn, have not discussed its current status since the draft. Bueckers emphasized that their personal life is private and not something she intends to address in detail publicly, while also acknowledging the responsibilities of the media.
She stated that what they choose to share is entirely up to them, but that her focus at media day was strictly on basketball. She also highlighted that both she and Fudd understand the demands of professional sports and the attention that comes with being high profile athletes.
Bueckers, who was named WNBA Rookie of the Year after an impressive debut season, said that the Wings selecting Fudd was based purely on basketball evaluation and not personal connections. She reiterated that their relationship has never interfered with their performance on the court.
She described both herself and Fudd as professionals who have consistently separated personal matters from basketball. According to Bueckers, their experience playing together at UConn over multiple seasons has helped them develop a strong understanding of how to handle pressure and expectations.
The Wings' decision to draft Fudd was described by general manager Curt Miller as the result of extensive scouting and evaluation. He explained that the organization studied the draft class closely before ultimately identifying Fudd as a key addition to an already strong backcourt that also includes four time All Star Arike Ogunbowale.
Despite Bueckers' individual success, the Wings struggled as a team last season, finishing tied for the worst record in the league. The franchise has now recorded 13 losing seasons in the past 16 years, underscoring the challenge ahead for the new core group.
Fudd has already expressed admiration for Bueckers' mindset, noting her ability to approach adversity as a growth opportunity. She suggested that learning from Bueckers' leadership and resilience will be important as they work together to improve the team's performance moving forward.
Together, the pair now enter a new chapter in Dallas with expectations focused on development, professionalism, and helping the Wings become a more competitive force in the WNBA.
