Huskies in the W: July Check-In

We’re almost at the season's midpoint, here's where our UConn alums stand across the league

We're just about through the season's first half and into July, and there's plenty to catch up on: a Commissioner's Cup title with a Husky at the center of it, a history-making sophomore who came home to Connecticut, a big name getting closer to taking the floor again, and a rookie continuing to make a name for herself. The pipeline never stops. Here's where our Huskies stand as the WNBA season rolls into July.

Paige and Azzi Keep Making History in Dallas

Paige Bueckers keeps finding new ways to make WNBA history.

She recently tied a league record by scoring at least 20 points while shooting 50 percent or better from the field in five consecutive games, matching a mark set by Katie Smith back in 2003. It's the latest milestone in what's quickly becoming an MVP-caliber sophomore season.

Paige is building something special in year two. She's averaging right around 20 points and 6 assists per game while shooting better than 50 percent from the floor, making a legitimate All-WNBA First Team case after earning Second Team honors as a rookie. Over the past few weeks, she's also become the fourth-fastest player in league history to reach 1,000 career points before making history again as the fastest player ever to record 1,000 points and 250 assists. True to form, she brushed aside the individual recognition, calling it "a true team testament."

Then came the homecoming. On July 2, the Wings made the trip to Hartford to face the Connecticut Sun at PeoplesBank Arena, and 14,578 fans packed the building to welcome Paige and Azzi Fudd back to the state where they became household names.

Azzi embraced the moment from the start, arriving in the signature UConn-style braids done by former teammate Jana El Alfy. It was a small touch, but one that instantly resonated with Husky fans, who were thrilled to see her back on a Connecticut court.

The game itself felt familiar, too. With just over a minute remaining, Paige knocked down one of her signature step-back jumpers while drawing the foul, putting Dallas ahead for good. She finished with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists as the Wings escaped with an 86-83 victory. It was heartbreak for the Sun faithful, but there was also something wonderfully full circle about watching Paige and Azzi win another close game on Connecticut hardwood.

Azzi, meanwhile, has quietly developed into one of Dallas' most complete players. Her shooting has always been expected, but it's been her defensive growth that's turning heads around the league. Fudd recently became the fastest guard in WNBA history to record 20 career blocks, reaching the milestone in just 20 games. She also broke a 29-year-old rookie record for the most combined steals and blocks through a player's first 20 career games.

Those aren't the records most people expected Azzi to be chasing, but they speak to just how much her game has evolved. She's becoming a true two-way player, one capable of impacting both ends of the floor every night.

At 13-8, the Wings have firmly established themselves as playoff contenders, and with Paige and Azzi continuing to build chemistry every game, they're quickly becoming one of the league's most entertaining teams to watch.

Steady Stewie: Breanna Stewart Wins the Cup

Breanna Stewart is one of the greatest to ever do it, and she added another accomplishment to an already remarkable résumé.

On June 30, Stewart led the Liberty past the Aces 93-85 to capture the Commissioner's Cup, finishing with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and earning MVP honors. In the process, she became the first player in WNBA history to win three Commissioner's Cup championships and the first to be named Cup MVP twice.

"Job done," Stewart said afterward.

It was a fitting performance for someone who continues to be the steady force behind New York's championship aspirations. Through the first half of the season, Stewart is averaging around 19 points and 9 rebounds per game while anchoring a Liberty team that has spent much of the year navigating injuries.

Now that New York is getting healthy, the Liberty once again look like one of the biggest threats in the league, and, as always, Stewie is right at the center of it.

CT Sun Huskies: Fighting in the Farewell Season

It's been a difficult season in the standings, but this Connecticut team hasn't gone quietly.

After snapping a lengthy losing streak with a convincing win over Chicago and picking up its first back-to-back victories of the season against Washington, the Sun nearly spoiled Paige and Azzi's Hartford homecoming. Connecticut battled Dallas until the final possession before falling 86-83 in front of another energized home crowd.

The ending felt fitting for a game loaded with UConn ties. Aaliyah Edwards tied the game late with a three-point play before Huskies on both sides traded baskets down the stretch, giving Connecticut fans one more reminder of just how deep the UConn pipeline runs throughout the WNBA.

The heart of this Sun team has been distinctly Husky. Olivia Nelson-Ododa has continued to dominate the glass, putting together several impressive performances while providing a steady presence in the paint. Aaliyah Edwards has worked her way back after missing time with a concussion and continues to embrace every challenge that's thrown her way. In a season defined by change and goodbyes, they've given Connecticut fans plenty to cheer for.

And while they've been making an impact on the floor, they've also become fan favorites off it. Both Aaliyah and Liv drew plenty of attention arriving at the Hartford game with tunnel fits that quickly made the rounds on social media. It was another reminder that this young core is helping shape the next chapter of Connecticut basketball, even during the franchise's final season in the state.

Golden State of Mind: The Valkyries' Husky Core

Four Huskies call the Bay Area home, and all four continue to play important roles for one of the league's biggest surprises.

At 14-7, the Valkyries have shown they can compete with anyone, and their UConn connection has been a major reason why.

Gabby Williams continues to be the engine, stuffing the stat sheet every night with her scoring, rebounding, playmaking and elite defense. Kiah Stokes anchors the paint with the calm presence of a three-time WNBA champion, well, because that's exactly what she is.

Tiffany Hayes remains the fearless veteran spark capable of changing the momentum of a game in just a few minutes, while Kaitlyn Chen continues to look more comfortable every time she steps on the floor, giving Golden State quality minutes in the backcourt.

Expansion teams aren't supposed to find this kind of success so quickly, but Golden State has consistently exceeded expectations. This Husky quartet has played a significant role in making that happen.

Storm Watch: Seattle's Huskies

It's been a quieter, and at times tougher, chapter in Seattle, where the Storm have endured a long losing skid while leaning into a youth movement featuring exciting rookies Dominique Malonga and Awa Fam.

Stefanie Dolson is in her first season back with Seattle after signing as a free agent, bringing the same trademark energy and veteran leadership she's carried throughout her career. Stef has never met a locker room she couldn't make better, and that presence has been invaluable for one of the league's youngest teams.

Katie Lou Samuelson is also back on the floor after missing all of last season with a torn ACL, and simply seeing her healthy again has been encouraging. She's averaging around 15 minutes per game while providing veteran stability for a young roster that's continuing to grow under a new coaching staff. Huskies fans have always appreciated what "Lou" brings beyond the box score, and that experience has become an important piece for a Storm team looking toward the future.

Minnesota Huskies: Almost Back

Here's the update Lynx fans, and UConn fans, have been waiting for. Both Napheesa Collier and Dorka Juhász are getting close to taking the floor again!

After months of rehabilitation, both players returned to full practice in early July. Phee continues to recover from offseason surgery on both ankles, while Dorka has been working her way back from the mid-foot sprain she suffered overseas. Neither had made her season debut at the time of writing, but the wait finally appears to be nearing its end. Juhász was even listed as questionable for an early July game, and head coach Cheryl Reeve has consistently praised both players for their commitment throughout the rehab process.

Perhaps the most remarkable part of the story is what Minnesota has accomplished without them. The Lynx have spent much of the season sitting atop the WNBA standings despite missing two of their most important frontcourt players. Phee has finished runner-up in MVP voting in each of the last two seasons, and the league is simply better when she's on the floor.

Adding both Collier and Juhász back to a team that's already playing this well should have the rest of the league paying attention.

Around the League: More Huskies to Watch

Kia Nurse continues to suit up for the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA's first Canadian franchise, making for a fitting homecoming story north of the border. While her role has fluctuated throughout the season, she's continued to provide veteran leadership and timely shooting for an expansion team that's steadily finding its footing. And let's be honest, seeing Kia knock down a three still brings Huskies fans right back to her days lighting it up in Storrs.

Serah Williams is beginning to carve out her own place in the league as the first former Husky to suit up for the Portland Fire. After being selected in the third round and joining the expansion franchise, she's earning valuable minutes off the bench while adjusting to the professional game. Like many young post players, the numbers only tell part of the story. Every game is another opportunity to grow, and Serah continues to make the most of hers.

Azurá Stevens has worked her way back from the knee injury that delayed the start of her season with the Chicago Sky, and it's been good to see her healthy again. When she's on the floor, she's still one of the league's most versatile forwards, capable of impacting the game on both ends. Chicago is certainly glad to have her back.

Huskies Still Chasing Their Next Opportunity

One of the things I love most about following former Huskies is that the story doesn't stop when a player isn't on a WNBA roster. Every journey looks different, and there are plenty of players still working toward their next opportunity.

Aubrey Griffin's professional journey has already taken a few unexpected turns. After being waived by the Minnesota Lynx and later signing a hardship contract with the New York Liberty earlier this season, she's now competing in the 3XBA, the premier professional women's 3x3 basketball league in the United States. Knowing Aubrey's work ethic, it wouldn't be surprising to see another opportunity come her way.

Bria Hartley also remains unsigned, though she's made it clear she's hoping for another chance in the league. After playing an important veteran role for the Connecticut Sun last season, many fans were surprised she wasn't brought back or picked up elsewhere during free agency. For now, she's continuing to stay ready while waiting for the next phone call.

Caroline Ducharme's professional career is only just beginning, even if it hasn't unfolded quite the way many Huskies fans hoped. Although Golden State waived her during training camp, she still had the opportunity to share the floor with former teammate Kaitlyn Chen and score her first WNBA basket during the preseason. Wherever basketball takes Caroline next, there will undoubtedly be plenty of UConn fans cheering her on every step of the way.

Celebrating Tina Charles

Although she's no longer on the floor, Tina Charles' impact on the game continues to be felt throughout women's basketball.

Charles officially announced her retirement before the start of the season, bringing one of the most decorated careers in basketball history to a close. From winning two national championships at UConn to earning WNBA MVP honors, Olympic gold medals, multiple scoring and rebounding titles, and becoming the league's all-time leader in double-doubles, Tina built a résumé that few players will ever match.

But beyond the accolades, she helped define what it meant to be a Husky at the professional level. For more than a decade, she represented UConn with the same toughness, consistency, and competitiveness that made her one of Geno Auriemma's all-time greats.

Fittingly, Connecticut fans will have one more opportunity to celebrate her incredible career when the Sun honor Charles during their August 25 game at Mohegan Sun Arena. It's a well-deserved tribute for one of the greatest players to ever wear both a UConn and WNBA jersey.

Final Thoughts

One of my favorite parts about putting these check-ins together is realizing just how many corners of the WNBA have a UConn connection.

Some Huskies are chasing championships. Others are making history, finding new roles, working their way back from injury, or simply waiting for their next opportunity. Every path looks a little different, but they're all still carrying the same foundation that was built in Storrs.

As the second half of the season begins, there will undoubtedly be more milestones to celebrate, more reunions to enjoy, and plenty of unforgettable moments still to come.

Until then, we'll keep following the Huskies wherever the game takes them.

Cover photo by Diana Alushaj