While the WNBA All-Star weekend's three-point contest saw Azzi Fudd become the first rookie to win the honor, WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita was very blunt while opining that the league completely missed out on making the event ten times better.

The three-point contest had its fair share of stars like Fudd and Marina Mabrey, but none were on the same spectrum as the likes of Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, and even Kayla McBride.

ESPN's Alexa Philippou initially reported that all three players declined the invitation to take part in the contest. But Ionescu has since revealed that she did not receive any. DeMita took issue with this, believing the league should do better for its players.

"A WNBA spokesperson said our general process is to reach out to agents to determine a player's interest, and some accept and some decline. Again, you guys like it shouldn't just be like that. You should roll out the red carpet for the players that you want to be in the three-point contest." DeMita said on Courtside Club

"It shouldn't be something where they're reaching out to agents, and they're just like, oh, do you think Sabrina would want to like, no, it shouldn't be like that. So again, I just, I feel like it's another fumble." DeMita added.

Not having Ionescu in the three-point contest will definitely attract criticism from all sides.

The New York Liberty star is so fun to watch shoot threes that the NBA created a special “Stephen vs. Sabrina” NBA vs. WNBA 3-Point Challenge during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend.

Meanwhile, Clark has still not taken part in the contest with three seasons under her belt. In 2024, she declined and prioritized rest. While she was about to participate in her sophomore year, she unfortunately had to bow out after suffering a groin injury.

The Indiana Fever star is already on a minutes restriction this time around, thanks to her recurring back issues this season.

While the big names did not show up to the party, Azzi Fudd shifted another gear to once again become the talk of the town.

Azzi Fudd Creates All-Star History as a Rookie

There is a new three-point champion in town, but you'd never guess by looking at her expression that Azzi Fudd netted a historic three-point shooting contest.

This year's No. 1 overall draft pick recorded 30 points in the final round of Friday night’s three-point contest in the WNBA All-Star weekend, the most by a rookie, ousting Portland Fire forward Bridgeton Carleton.

But Fudd has her confidence high, as moments after the win, she said she’d welcome the opportunity to go head-to-head against Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. 

“Steph, if you’re listening, I’ve been trying to get a rematch since high school,” the former UConn Huskies star said during her media availability. "So maybe this is our time to figure out a time and a place.”

The Dallas Wings star missed only 6 out of 27 shots taken. “You say only missed six shots — that was, like, a lot,” Fudd said. 

Fudd is the first rookie and the first player from UConn to win this event. A surprising fact, considering the lineage of the program. Regardless, Geno Auriemma will be a proud head coach.

Fudd walks away with $70,000 prize money, but more importantly, her confidence is high ahead of an important stretch in the league.

So, do you think Azzi Fudd would still have won if the likes of Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kayla McBride participated? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy