Los Angeles, CA — UConn basketball’s national reputation for excellence was reinforced Wednesday as Alex Karaban, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong were each named to the John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch Lists by the Los Angeles Athletic Club, highlighting their outstanding play and leadership during the 2025-26 season.
Karaban: The Steady Captain and Elite Two-Way Force
Redshirt senior captain Alex Karaban is the heartbeat of the Huskies. As the lone BIG EAST player on the men’s list, Karaban’s impact is felt on both ends of the floor. He’s averaging 13.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while leading the league in minutes played. His shooting efficiency—50.0% from the field, 41.8% from three, and 88.0% from the line—underscores his ability to deliver in any situation.
Karaban has started all 15 games for a UConn team that is once again in the national title hunt. His defensive presence (2.1 stocks per game) is a major reason the Huskies rank No. 3 in KenPom defensive efficiency. He recently surpassed 1,500 career points and is climbing UConn’s all-time ranks in games played, starts, and three-pointers made. With 126 games played—all at UConn—Karaban’s durability and consistency have been unmatched. During his career, the Huskies are 106-23 overall and a dominant 13-1 in NCAA Tournament play.
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Fudd: The Scoring Sensation Raising the Bar
Junior guard Azzi Fudd has emerged as one of the nation’s most dynamic offensive threats. She’s averaging a career-high 17.9 points per game and doing it with ruthless efficiency (.493 FG%, .485 3PT%, 1.000 FT%). Fudd ranks top 10 nationally in three-point percentage, made threes, and threes per game, and she’s been unstoppable against elite competition—averaging 23.8 points per game versus ranked teams.
Fudd’s ability to take over games and deliver in clutch moments has been vital to UConn’s 15-0 start and No. 1 ranking. Her leadership, shot-making, and relentless work ethic have set the tone for the Huskies’ high-powered offense. She’s also been a model of consistency, stepping up whenever her team needs her most.
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Strong: The Do-It-All Sophomore Superstar
Sophomore forward Sarah Strong has quickly become one of the most versatile and impactful players in college basketball. She leads UConn in points (18.0), rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals—an all-around stat line that’s nearly unheard of at the Power Five level. Strong is shooting a blistering .584 from the field, .426 from three, and .875 at the line, making her a matchup nightmare for opponents.
Against top-25 competition, Strong is averaging 18.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, proving her ability to elevate her play on the biggest stage. Her presence on both ends of the floor—whether dominating the glass, protecting the rim, or creating for teammates—has been central to UConn’s undefeated run. Strong’s maturity, poise, and leadership have not only made her a Wooden Award contender but also a cornerstone for the Huskies’ future.
Why They’re Wooden Award Material
All three Huskies have excelled statistically, but their impact goes far beyond the box score. Karaban’s leadership and defensive grit, Fudd’s scoring brilliance and ability to rise in big games, and Strong’s all-around dominance have made UConn a national powerhouse on both the men’s and women’s sides. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, consistency against elite competition, and ability to elevate their teams are exactly what the Wooden Award represents.
Facebook:UConn’s Karaban, Fudd, and Strong are all on the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25! See why these stars are the heart of Huskies basketball. #UConn #WoodenAward #Huskies #CollegeHoops
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