Tiffany Hayes, a seasoned lefty guard who’s wrapping up her 14th WNBA season, just dropped some serious truth about the UConn stars taking the league by storm. It’s not just about their buckets or dazzling moves; Hayes specifically credited Dallas Wings youngsters Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd not only for their insane on-court success but their character, calling them “two amazing human beings off the court, first of all.” This is coming from a veteran who has literally seen generations of Huskies make their mark, so you know it’s legit.
More Than Just Hoops
When Hayes talks, you listen, especially when she’s talking about the future of the league. She didn’t hold back, telling WNBA analyst Conrado Pascual, “Anytime I run into either one of them, they’re just great people; they’re checking in on people. They always are just looking out for people.” That’s high praise from a pro who’s been around the block, and it shines a spotlight on something we don’t always hear enough about: the character behind the highlights. It’s clear Bueckers and Fudd are bringing a whole lot more than just pure talent to the WNBA.
Talent Through The Roof, Seriously
Of course, you can’t talk about Bueckers and Fudd without talking about their game. Hayes made sure to emphasize that, too, saying “obviously their talent level is just through the roof.” But here’s the kicker: it’s not just natural ability. This duo *works*. Hayes highlighted their relentless drive, pointing out, “Like, they work so hard. You can see on the internet [that] they’re working out with Steph [Curry], working out with huge trainers. All the time, just trying to get better.” These aren’t just stars; they’re workhorses already “pouring into the next generation” despite their young age. That kind of dedication, especially so early in their careers, sets them apart.
A Legend’s Stamp of Approval
Hayes’ words carry weight because she’s lived this journey. She was once that burgeoning star, ranked the second-best shooting guard in her 2008 high school class by ESPN, fulfilling a childhood dream to play for Geno Auriemma at UConn. She started off the bench as a freshman, watching Maya Moore lead the Huskies to consecutive 39-0 seasons, before blossoming into a 15-point-per-game scorer and a third-team All-America selection herself. Drafted in the second round in 2012, Hayes shattered expectations in Atlanta, earning All-Star and All-WNBA First Team honors with the Dream, and now steadies the Golden State Valkyries alongside fellow Huskies Gabby Williams and Kaitlyn Chen. Her perspective is invaluable.
The WNBA has two absolute gems in Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, not just because they light up the scoreboard, but because they’re setting a new standard for leadership and character for the next generation. Their commitment to growth, both on and off the court, is something every fan should be pumped about for the future of the league.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply