Paige Bueckers absence stands out as her partner Azzi Fudd preferred four other players

Led by standout sophomore Sarah Strong and projected first-overall pick Azzi Fudd, the Connecticut Huskies (24-0) are barreling toward the finish line of the regular season with just seven games remaining.

As it stands, the defending champions are closer than ever to finishing the year with a perfect record before the chaos of March Madness begins. UConn is chasing its first undefeated season since 2016, a legendary year where they secured a fourth consecutive national title anchored by Breanna Stewart, arguably the greatest winner in the history of the sport.

The Shocking Omission in Azzi Fudd's UConn Mt. Rushmore

Strong and Fudd are clearly focused on etching their own names into the Huskies' history books with a back-to-back championship run. In a program as decorated as UConn's, where the rafters are crowded with retired jerseys and national banners, simply winning once isn't enough to secure "legend" status. You need that second, third, or even fourth ring to truly stand out.

However, it was a recent off-court comment from captain Azzi Fudd that had fans and analysts buzzing. During an interview with ESPN's Ari Chambers, Fudd was asked to name her "UConn Mt. Rushmore", the top four players to ever wear the jersey. Despite her deep personal and professional bond with Paige Bueckers, with whom she won the title last year, Fudd left her former teammate off the list.

"Oh gosh... There's no wrong answer ever," Fudd remarked before making her final picks: Sue Bird, Tina Charles, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier. While Fudd is right that there are no "wrong" answers at UConn, the exclusion of Bueckers raised eyebrows given their four seasons together.

Ironically, the two could be reunited very soon; Bueckers is currently lighting it up for the Dallas Wings, the same team that holds the first-overall pick in the upcoming April 13 WNBA Draft where Fudd is expected to go No. 1.

Comparing the Greats in Fudd's Mt. Rushmore

To understand why Fudd chose those four specific icons, you have to look at the sheer statistical dominance they brought to Storrs. These aren't just great players; they are the architects of the UConn dynasty:

• Breanna Stewart: The undisputed GOAT of college basketball. She is the only player to win four National Championships and four Final Four Most Outstanding Player awards. Her career average of 17.6 PPG and 2.7 BPG barely scratches the surface of her impact.
• Sue Bird: The ultimate floor general. Bird finished her career with 1,378 points and 585 assists while winning two titles. She set the blueprint for the modern point guard.
• Tina Charles: A walking double-double. Charles remains one of the most physically dominant forces in program history, holding the record for total rebounds (1,367) and scoring 2,346 career points.
• Napheesa Collier: The Swiss Army knife. Collier is one of only five Huskies to record over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, ending her career with a staggering 2,401 points and a reputation for relentless efficiency.

With the season Sarah Strong is currently having, winning a second championship and still being able to win some more could see her enter this historic discussion in a couple of years. If she continues this trajectory, the Mt. Rushmore of 2030 might look very different.