The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame dropped its midseason watchlists for the top shooting guards in men’s and women’s college hoops, and UConn is once again right in the thick of the conversation. Two Huskies-Azzi Fudd and Solo Ball-earned spots among the top 10 candidates for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award and the Jerry West Award, respectively, each recognizing the best shooting guard in the nation.
Let’s start with Fudd, who’s been nothing short of a cornerstone for Geno Auriemma’s squad this season. The junior guard has been a steady force on both ends of the floor, but it’s her shooting stroke that’s earned her national recognition.
She’s connecting on over 44% of her shots from deep-an elite number in today’s game, especially considering the defensive attention she draws. Her recent performance against longtime rival Tennessee was a reminder of just how dangerous she can be when she’s locked in.
Fudd poured in 27 points, including five triples, in a game that showcased her ability to score in bunches and take over when it matters.
Fudd’s inclusion on the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award watchlist puts her in good company-former UConn standout Christyn Williams took home the award in 2022, and Fudd seems poised to follow in that lineage. She’s joined on the list by another Connecticut product, Rachel Ullstrom, who’s making waves at Richmond after a standout high school career at Marianapolis Prep.
College basketball analyst Andy Katz summed it up well in a video released by the Hall of Fame: “Azzi Fudd, I mean, what can you say? She’s been one of the leaders for a dominant UConn team.
She’s just an anchor for Geno Auriemma, and she can be counted on in a variety of roles.” That versatility-whether she’s spacing the floor, attacking off the dribble, or defending the perimeter-makes her one of the most complete guards in the country.
On the men’s side, Solo Ball continues to be a key piece for Dan Hurley’s Huskies, despite battling through a nagging wrist injury that’s impacted his outside shooting. After lighting it up from beyond the arc last season, Ball has seen his three-point percentage dip to 29% this year. But even with that drop-off, he’s leading UConn in scoring at 14.6 points per game and putting together his most efficient season inside the arc.
Ball’s game isn’t just about shooting-it’s about finding ways to contribute even when the long ball isn’t falling. He’s done that by attacking the rim, getting to the line, and staying aggressive in transition. That all-around impact is a big reason why he’s landed on the Jerry West Award watchlist.
And he’s not alone. The list features several players UConn has already gone toe-to-toe with this season.
The Huskies handled Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and BYU’s Richie Saunders on neutral courts, but fell to Arizona’s Brayden Burries at Gampel Pavilion in a tightly contested matchup. Kansas’ Darryn Peterson also made the list, though he missed the showdown with UConn in Lawrence due to injury.
With fan voting for the Naismith Starting Five set to begin on February 6, both Fudd and Ball will have a chance to solidify their case down the stretch. For UConn, having a pair of guards recognized among the nation’s elite is more than just a testament to individual talent-it speaks to the program’s continued ability to develop top-tier backcourt players on both sides of the ball.
As the postseason inches closer, keep an eye on these two. Whether it’s Fudd lighting it up from deep or Ball grinding out points in the paint, UConn’s shooting guards are once again making noise on the national stage.