UConn's Strong, Fudd headline women's Wooden Award top 15

Graduate student Azzi Fudd and sophomore Sarah Strong of the undefeated UConn Huskies headline the John R. Wooden Award top 15 ballot, which was announced Sunday.

The award is given annually to the best college basketball player in the country.

Texas is the only other program with multiple players on the list, as junior Madison Booker and graduate student Rori Harmon made the cut.

The top three scorers in the nation also were included: Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes (21.7), Iowa State's Audi Crooks (25.6) and Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo (25.2).

After helping lead UConn to its third straight undefeated Big East regular season, Strong was named the conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Strong averaged 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 1.6 blocks through 30 games this season. She recorded 13 20-point games and eight double-doubles, and she ranks seventh in the nation in steals (97) and 12th in steals per game (3.23).

In her final season at UConn, Fudd is averaging career highs in points (17.9), assists (3.0) and shooting percentage (48.1%). She has also recorded a career high in total rebounds (70) and steals (75).

ESPN projects Fudd to be the Dallas Wings' No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft.

A look at the complete list of candidates:

Raegan Beers, Oklahoma Sooners
Lauren Betts, UCLA Bruins
Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt Commodores
Madison Booker, Texas Longhorns
Jaloni Cambridge, Ohio State Buckeyes
Audi Crooks, Iowa State Cyclones
Joyce Edwards, South Carolina Gamecocks
Azzi Fudd, UConn Huskies
Rori Harmon, Texas Longhorns
Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Flau'jae Johnson, LSU Tigers
Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss Rebels
Olivia Miles, TCU Horned Frogs
Olivia Olson, Michigan Wolverines
Sarah Strong, UConn Huskies