Geno Auriemma Wasn't at WNBA Draft With No. 1 Pick Azzi Fudd – Here's Why

The 2026 WNBA draft started in familiar fashion to the 2025 draft when former UConn star Paige Bueckers was selected with the No. 1 pick, the Wings selected another former UConn star in Azzi Fudd, who just so happens to be in a relationship with Bueckers.

What changed this time around, though, was the absence of Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma. The longtime UConn coach couldn't make the draft as he was attending to funeral services for the husband of a UConn assistant and former player.

Golf News: Rory McIlroy’s Daughter Had Immediate 1-Word Reaction to Masters Win More Golf: Rory McIlroy Appeared to Slight Cameron Young Before Final Masters Round "UConn coach Geno Auriemma is not attending the WNBA draft tonight.

He is attending services for the husband of UConn program assistant (and his former player) Peggy Myers, who lost her husband, Norm, last month to brain cancer," WNBA insider Alexa Philippou reported.

Myers was diagnosed with glioblastoma, which is an aggressive type of brain cancer that starts in cells called astrocytes, which support nerve cells, according to the Mayo Clinic. The former Huskies football player died on March 23, 2026.

"In true Norm fashion, he attacked his glioblastoma with the ferocity that he lived his life," the family said after his passing. "If you knew Norm, you knew he did life the way he wanted, his cancer diagnosis was no different.

It stumped even world renowned specialists when it became a reportable case." Before deciding not to attend the draft, Auriemma spoke with the No. 1 pick and her family about the situation.

While he wasn't at her table, Fudd's position coach, Morgan Valley, was on hand to represent the UConn staff. More Golf: Cameron Young Shares Honest Rory McIlroy Admission Before Masters Showdown