Cathy Engelbert disrespects Azzi Fudd with Olivia Miles ROTY comment
· Yahoo Sports
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert raised eyebrows after praising Olivia Miles’ Rookie of the Year campaign.
Olivia Miles and Azzi Fudd entered the 2026 draft as the two standouts of their class, generating massive hype from college hoops fans. Fudd went first overall to the Dallas Wings, with Miles following right behind at No. 2 to Minnesota. But their rookie paths couldn’t have looked more different.
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While injury troubles sidelined Fudd for a good chunk of the year, Miles completely took over, breaking the all-time rookie scoring record and running away with unanimous Rookie of the Year honors.
However, it’s clear to see who WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s favourite was.
Speaking as she announced Olivia Miles winning the Rookie of the Year award, she claimed that in her mind, Miles was always going to win the award from day one, completely writing Azzi Fudd off.
She said: “I knew when I called your name on draft night I would be standing here, I really did.”
Cathy Engelbert saying she “knew” on draft night she’d be handing Olivia Miles the Rookie of the Year award felt like direct disrespect toward No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd.
By implying the outcome was already a foregone conclusion, Engelbert completely dismissed Fudd’s talent and potential before injuries derailed her season. Despite her being number one pick.
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