UConn’s "Sharing is Caring" Problem: The Player of the Year Race is Officially a Civil War
UConn’s "Sharing is Caring" Problem: The Player of the Year Race is Officially a Civil War
By: The Sanchez Sideline Report
Usually, having two superstars on one basketball team is a logistical nightmare for awards voters. It’s the classic "Beatles Problem"—do you vote for Lennon or McCartney? Historically, players split the vote, hurt each other’s feelings, and someone else sneaks in to steal the trophy.
But the UConn Huskies apparently didn't get that memo.
This season, Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd aren't just teammates; they are a two-headed basketball hydra that is currently devouring the NCAA. They are pacing the Player of the Year power rankings, forcing voters to make an impossible choice: Do you prefer the Swiss Army Knife or the Sniper?
Here is the current state of the race, or as we call it, "The UConn Invitational (Guest Starring Everyone Else)."
1. Sarah Strong (UConn)
The Stat Sheet Stuffer
Sarah Strong is aptly named because her hold on the #1 spot is... well, strong. She is currently averaging 18.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 3.5 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. Read that again. She is basically playing every position on the floor simultaneously.
If Strong were a video game character, your friends would ban you from using her because she’s "unfair." She possesses a terrifying combination of size and instincts that suggests she’s just killing time until she becomes the WNBA’s No. 1 pick. She is a player without a weakness, which is great for UConn and terrible for the mental health of opposing coaches.
2. Azzi Fudd (UConn)
The Robot Who Doesn't Miss
If Sarah Strong is the sledgehammer, Azzi Fudd is the laser scalpel. The Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 Final Four decided she wasn't done yet. This season, she is shooting over 50% from the floor, over 50% from three, and hasn't missed a free throw yet.
We’re starting to suspect she might actually be a cyborg designed by Geno Auriemma in a secret underground lab. Sure, her counting stats might be higher if she didn't have to share the ball with Strong, but that efficiency? That’s why the Dallas Wings are currently trying to figure out how to draft her in 2026 without looking too desperate.
3. Madison Booker (Texas)
The Spoiler
Just when UConn thought they could cruise, here comes Texas. Madison Booker, aided by the speedster Rori Harmon, has the Longhorns right on the Huskies' heels.
Booker isn't just putting up empty stats; she’s doing it against the big dogs, notching wins over South Carolina and UCLA. She brings smooth scoring and playmaking that makes the Texas offense look like a symphony. She is the reason UConn fans are checking their rearview mirrors.
4. Audi Crooks (Iowa State)
The Efficiency Monster
Audi Crooks is posting numbers that look like typos. The Iowa State junior is averaging 28.9 points on—wait for it—71.6% shooting. That is not a shooting percentage; that is a layup line.
Crooks has been nothing short of dominant on the block. If she catches the ball in the paint, you might as well just put the points on the scoreboard and save everyone the time. If she keeps this up, voters might ignore the UConn duo entirely just out of respect for the sheer audacity of shooting 71%.
5. Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)
The Grand Larcenist
Hannah Hidalgo spent most of last year as the front-runner before JuJu Watkins snatched the crown, and she clearly took that personally. The Notre Dame star is currently averaging an eye-popping 6.1 steals per game.
She isn't just playing defense; she is actively committing robbery on live television six times a night. Combined with her offensive bag of tricks, Hidalgo is keeping the Irish relevant. If Notre Dame climbs the standings, expect the "Hidalgo for POY" campaign to get very loud, very fast.
Who’s your pick? The Unicorn, The Sniper, or the Field? Let us know in the comments!
