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Sophia Donner
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Sophia Donner
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Az Fudd
Hey Everyone. Welcome back to another episode of Fut around and find out. I'm here with my girl Ashanti. Hey Ashanti.
Gabby Williams
Hey guys. Hi.
Ashanti Plummer
I'm really excited. We have a special guest and I'm really looking forward to jumping right into what we're talking about today.
Gabby Williams
Me too.
Az Fudd
So let's get into it today Our special guest is the one and only Gabby Williams.
Gabby Williams
Hey.
Ashanti Plummer
So, Gabby, we recently just saw that you were in LA for the ESPN WNBA draft lottery. What was that like?
Gabby Williams
That was exciting. I'm, like, really wondering how Izzy's gonna play this year. You know, I mean, you can. I want you to have a great season, but not too good. I mean, like, if you wanna. I don't know, like, I'm wishing for another national championship, but if, you know, if you want to go post top two, that'd be really cool. I don't know, like, I have a.
Az Fudd
Say in any of that.
Ashanti Plummer
So how'd you get chosen to represent your team?
Gabby Williams
I was actually already in LA rehabbing my knee, and I've kind of just been around all off season. I've been kind of like the only one there. Me and our video person, we've kind of been joking around. Like, I wonder if everyone's kind of sick of me. Like, I've been the only person kind of in Seattle. So I've just doing all the media and pr, just been bored and just felt right to do the draft lottery. Okay.
Ashanti Plummer
You were looking very stylish.
Az Fudd
Definitely were.
Gabby Williams
Thank you.
Ashanti Plummer
Let's talk about your fit.
Gabby Williams
Yeah, I've been name dropping her all for the last 24 hours, but a friend of mine, Sasha Colby, I was freaking out because they asked me to do the lottery last second, and I was like, oh, I'm packing to, like, go to Turkey and trying to get ready to go overseas, so I'm already stressed out of my mind. And I was like, now I have to find an outfit for this thing. And she was like, just come over. I have 5 million things you can wear.
Az Fudd
Wait, that's amazing.
Ashanti Plummer
And you looked great. Thank you.
Az Fudd
You always do.
Gabby Williams
Thank you. Well, she did me right. I don't think anyone can look bad in a Sasha Colby fit, so you better. Go ahead.
Ashanti Plummer
You better. Big Sasha up.
Az Fudd
Did you actually do your own makeup?
Gabby Williams
I did. I got touched up a little bit. Like, I didn't do my own lashes and stuff. And then one of the makeup artists there gave me, like, a little hint on how to do, like, a little tip on how to do my blush.
Az Fudd
Your makeup looks so good. I was impressed.
Gabby Williams
Thank you.
Ashanti Plummer
Wait, drop the tip.
Az Fudd
Help us.
Gabby Williams
Well, you know, that's like the new trend now, is everyone trying to do blush. And I was like, I can't get it right. And she was like, girl, you're using the wrong color. But I've been doing my makeup myself forever. I did it for, like, Draft day. I've done it for, like, any event. I don't do it for, like, a lot of photo shoots because they usually have, like, a specific thing they want, but any kind of event, I usually do my own.
Ashanti Plummer
Wait, draft day, like when you were drafted back in 2018?
Gabby Williams
Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
So let's break down the lottery. Number one, Dallas. Obviously, reunion with Paige. New coach, new facility. Exciting. Like, I have no notes.
Az Fudd
Right, right.
Ashanti Plummer
Number two, Minnesota. I feel like UConn is everywhere. Every single team. There's a UConn player fee, obviously leading the charge. Over for number two. And then Seattle, number three. Any. Any. What do you got to say? How are you feeling about number three?
Gabby Williams
Like, I said, easy. No, no, honestly, I. I was really happy with top three. I was like, okay, as long as we get top three, maybe it'll just be a sign that I'm not, like, bad luck for the storm at least. But this draft class is so talented. I think the most talented that we've seen in a really long time as far as just, like, depth, you know, and so I think all the lottery picks, everyone's going to kind of be a steal.
Ashanti Plummer
It's a competition out there.
Az Fudd
All right, anyways, enough draft talk. Draft talk. Gabby, how are you enjoying your off season?
Gabby Williams
It's been fun. This is my first kind of off season in three years. For the last three years, I've just been constant go, go, like, just go from one team overseas to national team swnba. But I really just needed it health wise. And this is kind of, like, the best physically I've felt in a really long time. And mentally, honestly. So it's been really nice just to, like. Yeah, reset.
Az Fudd
That's amazing. So what was the first thing you did when the W season ended? Did you have a fun trip plan? Did you have, like, anything just to reset and relax and unwind?
Gabby Williams
I kind of, like, went into. What is it called? Like, I went to a coma. I don't know if coma's the right word, but I just kind of, like, turned.
Ashanti Plummer
She hibernated, you guys.
Gabby Williams
I. Hibernated. That's a better word. That's what I was talking about. No, I also. I also just woke up. Hibernated is a better word. I, like, turned my phone off. I was not responding to any messages, any calls. I was just, like, in my apartment. I just slept and kind of. Yeah, I just needed to rest. I was. I had no trips planned. I had nothing but just, like, rest and relaxation planned.
Az Fudd
Good. Definitely need that.
Ashanti Plummer
Az. You know about that. No phone no text, no nothing.
Az Fudd
Yeah, that's me most days. Not just postseason.
Gabby Williams
I know my friends are like, do you hate me? What happened? I was like, no. I just. I cannot respond to anything right now.
Az Fudd
Gabby, I also saw that you recently met Adam Sandler. He is one of my favorite actors. What was that like?
Gabby Williams
He's even sweeter and nicer than you can imagine. I was, like, so happy that he was just as good of a person as we all imagine him to be. Obviously, I don't know him personally. Like, I only spent, like, kind of one day with him, but, I mean, he invited us to his show, took us backstage, talked to us. He's just so. He was just so normal and easy to talk to, and I was just like, oh, I'm just glad you're exactly how I would imagine you to be. Just, like, so sweet and personable. And he just. He was traveling with all his friends, too, like Nick Kroll and David Spade and Rob Schneider. Like, everybody was there. Kevin Spade, and they were all just.
Az Fudd
That's incredible.
Gabby Williams
Sweet. Yeah.
Az Fudd
Wait, that's amazing. That is so cool. I want to meet him so bad.
Gabby Williams
I'm sure he will. He literally just. Every city he goes to, he just finds a gym to just go hoop in, apparently. I love that one day, I feel.
Ashanti Plummer
Like he's always so random. Like, it'll be a bunch of, like, Hoopers. Pro Hoopers sometimes. And then it's like, Adam Sandler.
Gabby Williams
Or GM was laughing. She was like, because it was me, Adam Sandler and Jamal Crawford on a team. And she was like, that sounds like the beginning of a joke. Like, everyone's saying they walk into a bar, like.
Ashanti Plummer
So, Gabby, the fans on social media have been referring to you as evil AZ. AZ seems to support this. Why repost it on TikTok? How do you feel about that?
Gabby Williams
I love it. I honestly love it. I like being the evil one, too. I don't. I don't think Marine loves being the evil Paige, but I do love being the evil Az. Wait.
Az Fudd
I don't. Wait. That start. I don't know where it started, but.
Gabby Williams
It had me dying the first time I saw it. I don't know if it's how it started. Was Colleen actually manager from UConn? Shout out to Colleen? Yeah, she. Yeah, shout out. Colleen. She sent me a screenshot of, like, the evil page tweet, and I was cracking up. And she works for the storm now, and she. Like, we were. She just showed it to me the next day, and she was like, this is hilarious. I'm gonna start calling her this. So.
Az Fudd
Rose, people are so like creative and just, I don't know, the stuff they say.
Ashanti Plummer
Yes, they funny.
Az Fudd
Out of pocket.
Gabby Williams
Very much so.
Ashanti Plummer
Let's talk about your youth and your upbringing. So all of us are multi sport athletes. Gabby, you used to high jump. Can you talk about your high jumping experience and what like that brings or teaches you about basketball?
Gabby Williams
Yeah. When I was younger, I always just wanted to try a different sport outside of basketball. And that was like a big no no in my family. And I was finally just like track. It's like, okay, this one I think I can just get away with. It was really just for fun and just to like do something. I think I had tried it in like PE one time in middle school and yeah, just found a passion for it. It was fun because like your biggest competitor is kind of yourself. You know, you're just always trying to best yourself. And I think that like translated to the basketball side of things made me love like working out on my own a bit more, which I wasn't really doing before I was high jumping. But yeah, just kind of like learning how to be your biggest motivator, be your biggest kind of reason, and just kind of always just like focusing on yourself and how can I be a better version of me?
Homesense Announcer
Okay.
Ashanti Plummer
I'm inspired, girl. Az, you played flag football. How did some of the things from flag football translate for you in basketball?
Az Fudd
Well, I also ran track leading up into, I guess my sophomore year was the last year I did it because then I got hurt and then it was Covid. It's like my last two years I didn't get to. But I would agree with everything Gabby just said. But it also made me because it was such like an individualized as much as it was a team sport. Like I did relays. It is very individualized. So it made me appreciate when I played basketball and had all my teammates because they just make it so much more fun. Um, wait, Gabby, what other events did you do?
Gabby Williams
I did the heptathlon. So it's like the seven event, like two days. Yeah, I did have tap, but And I was also a hurdler. Yeah.
Az Fudd
Oh, wow.
Gabby Williams
I agree with you too, that I did make me appreciate my teammates more. I was like, okay, I missed the. Because I was in college, I was between track and basketball and I was like, okay, I'm glad I got to enjoy college, especially like in a team atmosphere.
Az Fudd
I did high jump in middle school and then I lost all of my bunnies. So, yeah, about as hard as I Thought, yes.
Ashanti Plummer
That's not true. We just had, like, eight rebounds this last game, you know?
Az Fudd
Okay, come on.
Gabby Williams
Career high. Come on.
Az Fudd
Okay. We're gonna make that a norm, though. Just wait.
Gabby Williams
I love it.
Ashanti Plummer
I know that's right. We will be holding you accountable.
Gabby Williams
Please do.
Az Fudd
Gabby, you tore your ACL in high school and came back even stronger. What helped you get through that mentally again?
Gabby Williams
I think it was, like, okay, now I get to. I was focused just, like, on the process. I think I had a really good trainer with me, luckily, and I just. That became, like, my new competition. And, like, that became my new way to kind of get my competitiveness out since I wasn't, you know, playing sports. But just like, okay, I'm going to get 2 degrees better today or I'm going to get a little bit stronger today or get a little bit faster on, like, the ladder or the cones. And so it kind of, yeah, made me enjoy the process of just, like, working out and training and getting better and learning things about my body. And I think it helped me kind of today and has let me. Has allowed me to, like, stay. To stay, like, as athletic today because I've gotten to learn all these things so young about, like, what it takes to work out to keep your body healthy, like, just maintenance. I'm sure, like, you can relate having, like, so many injuries so young. You learn these things a lot earlier than, like, most pro athletes do.
Az Fudd
That's a great mindset to have. Makes it easier.
Gabby Williams
Well, you kind of. I'm sure, you know, like, you're kind of forced to have this mindset, too.
Ashanti Plummer
I want to know. Okay, so that was high school, and then you ended up at UConn. I want to know what your recruitment process was like, and then why you chose UConn.
Gabby Williams
Yeah, I was being very stubborn about track for the longest, and I was dead set on doing both for a really long time. I think the only school that had said that didn't accept it was Oregon, because their track program is, like, so, so serious. But even, like, UConn, even coach was ready for me to do both. When I came on my visit, I met with, like, the high jump coach and coach Orema, and then I tore my ACL again and had to miss track season. And so I had done two years off track, and it just kind of naturally happened that I was gonna only do basketball.
Az Fudd
Wait, that's really cool that he was gonna let you do both. I definitely would have.
Gabby Williams
Yeah.
Az Fudd
Not guessed that.
Gabby Williams
Everybody was shocked. Even we were shocked because we were like, okay, That'll kind of make the recruitment process easier because we'll eliminate, like, more schools that way. But everyone was, like, kind of cool with it. Coaches. Yeah, he was cool with it, but I think he was very, very happy when I went the basketball only route. He was like, yeah, that probably wasn't gonna work, but for sure, yeah, it.
Az Fudd
Worked out how it was supposed to.
Gabby Williams
Yeah. And I think he knew deep down that I was only gonna do basketball once I got to UConn.
Az Fudd
If you had any energy left to go through a whole track season after basketball season, I. I don't. I don't know how you would have done it.
Gabby Williams
Yeah. And I think coach knew that. I think coach knew that I was being over ambitious.
Ashanti Plummer
I feel like track is safe if you think about it. It's not contact, not likely to, you know, get hurt compared to other sports. So they're probably more likely to let you do something like that. And you're going to be in shape, so it translates hopefully to the court.
Gabby Williams
That's a great point, actually.
Ashanti Plummer
Yeah. I mean, if you wanted to join the wrestling team or something, he's probably not. He's probably not going to go for that.
Gabby Williams
Right.
Ashanti Plummer
Gabby, you were known for your defense. WBCA Defensive player of the year. What's the mindset that made you so elite on that end?
Gabby Williams
I think I didn't realize how good of a defender I should have been until I got to UConn, because I was humbled, obviously, as you are when you come to UConn. And obviously, like, I was a good defender in high school just because I was more athletic than people, but I wasn't really, you know, focused on defense. And then at UConn, I was like, okay, this is actually what's going to get me playing time. Like, I. I did not expect coming into UConn, and, like, rebounding and defense was going to be what got me playing time. Like, those are things I never, ever focused on growing up. So I was like, okay, well, if I want to get in the court, I need to really, like, dive into these things or, you know, like, I need to. I need to find a reason for Coach put me on the court. And that was kind of it.
Ashanti Plummer
No, that's right.
Az Fudd
And he still says stuff like that, too, so it's very true.
Gabby Williams
Oh, really? I'm not surprised.
Az Fudd
You're also Only one of five players in UConn history with a triple double. What was going through your mind that game? Like, did. Did you think you were gonna get that? Was that. I don't know, I can't even get a double double.
Ashanti Plummer
You were so close.
Gabby Williams
Yeah, I'm not the. It's hard at UConn because you never know when you're gonna play 40 minutes or 17 because you're up by, you know, a lot. And I think thanks to, you know, the excellence that we have at UConn, we don't have to play 30 something minutes a game. And so you never know when you're gonna have, like, these games where it's close enough that you're gonna be in that much, you know, to kind of. And you know how it is, like, you're not at all focused on individual accolades when you're there. Also, because you are winning most games by, like, 20, 30 points. And also it's just, like, not important at all, like, when you're there. But I do think that coach likes allowing us to get these kinds of little achievements as well, because he knows how important it is and how much it means to, like, our legacies and how special those moments are to, like, celebrate with your teammates. But I remember, like, the thing I remember the most is just at the bench going crazy. And I think that's the thing I miss the most about playing for UConn is just like. Yeah, the energy and excitement from. From your teammates and just how everyone hypes everybody up all the time. It's just something that, like, I haven't had since UConn. And I think UConn is the only school that I really see hyping, you know, how important the bench culture is and just like the team cultures at UConn. So you just don't see that anywhere else in college or in pro.
Az Fudd
Yeah, you really. The individualized accolades, any of that is so not important here. I think that makes just the environment that much more special.
Gabby Williams
Yeah.
Az Fudd
When you can share everything.
Gabby Williams
Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
And those bench celebrations go crazy.
Gabby Williams
Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
You went from sixth player of the year to a starter leading the team. What kept you patient and motivated while you were waiting for your moment?
Gabby Williams
Um, yeah, like I said earlier, any kind of playing time, time on the court, I was always, like, very thankful, Especially in those early years, getting sixth player of the year. I. I think I was a freshman. I don't know, Freshman, sophomore. But I remember just not expecting it at all. Because if I was barely getting any playing time at the beginning of the year, like, I needed to get humbled when I got there and learn what it really meant to be, like, you know, just disciplined, I guess is the word. And so, again, yeah, getting your that's not why you're like doing those things. But when you get those kind of individual accolades, it does feel really good in that Yukon environment because it's like everything is so difficult and hard and you're in such a pressure cooker. So it's like, oh, okay. Like I am, I am able to thrive in this environment, you know, like because you, he has to kind of beat you down before he builds you back up. And I think getting like those little accolades is him building me back up, getting playing time, showing that he has trust in me, showing myself that I can trust myself and to yeah, start a role and having more responsibilities.
Ashanti Plummer
That's beautiful.
Gabby Williams
It's maltiggy for sure.
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Sophia Donner
This sports spotlight is brought to you by Capital One. Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts. Did you know that Steffi Groff completed the first Golden Slam in singles tennis? And that it's still the only Golden Slam ever achieved in a single year? In 1988, at age 19, Graf won all four Grand Slam singles titles and the Olympic gold medal. Capital One, what's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capital1.combank for details. Capital1NA member FDIC this is Sophia Donner from OK Storytime.
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Az Fudd
So While you're at UConn, you played with, I mean some UConn grades, some in general basketball grades. You were there with Stewie Lou Fee. What did you learn from being able to play with them and just, yeah, having, having them with you?
Gabby Williams
I think just I had to learn what it meant to be like a great teammate especially and see that kind of these players who I thought could do no wrong, who I thought were like the most talented and skilled basketball players I'd ever seen, but watching how they were equally just as great teammates, I think was huge for me of just like, okay, because then in your pro career you and even at UConn you come across amazing players, but they don't quite succeed or they don't become winners because they don't have the teammate aspect as well. So watching like, I mean everyone I played with is still some of my best friends, some of my sisters, even like 10 years later. And yeah, I just realized, realizing how important that aspect of being an all time great is.
Az Fudd
I love that.
Ashanti Plummer
I feel like you have such a unique experience at UConn and that would make sense why you guys bond the way you do. And then 10 plus years later, you guys still are Connected, like, all the things I've heard. There's no place like it.
Gabby Williams
Yeah, it's very easy to connect with UConn players because, like you said, there's. You just instantly know. Kind of put that that person's gone through already. And you also share very similar, unique experiences that. Yeah. And also, I mean, he recruits certain kinds of people. He recruits good people, too, so it's very easy to connect with UConn people.
Ashanti Plummer
Yes. Coach Gino, as we mentioned, is known for pushing players hard. Do you have any fun Coach Gino or interesting Coach Gino stories I don't.
Gabby Williams
Know, that you can share? Say. Say what I can say.
Ashanti Plummer
Or it could be a CD story.
Gabby Williams
I have a bunch of CD stories. I remember. I remember trying to. I'm so, like, kind of traumatized by this. Like, I think about it, my eyes, which is, like, I remember, like, there's always moments where you had to challenge Coach, too. You know, like, he wanted. Sometimes he wanted it to be kind of us versus him. Like, he wanted us to come together. He wanted us to, like, not always just. Yeah, kind of lay down and take whatever. And I remember my senior year, we were having, like, a very rough stretch. We were still winning games, but it just. That doesn't matter at UConn, like, whatever. And we were doing a drill where he would, like, yank a practice player off because he was like, you can't play five on five. Okay, play five on four. And then we would turn the ball over. So, okay, play five on three. You know, and those are. Sometimes. Those are moments where coach would, like, want to challenge you. You know, I got that moment completely wrong. It was not the time to challenge coach. And I was actually usually, like, okay with it. So I think we got down to, like, five on two. And I was like, no, come on. Like, Pete Ryan. I was calling the practice players. I was like, no, we can do it. Like, go five on five. And I was like, come on, like, guys, get our shit together. And I started, like, yelling at my teammates. I was like, get our shit together. We're gonna go five on five. We're gonna do this. And I was thinking, coach is gonna be like, yeah, Gab. That's it. He goes, what the hell is the champ? And this is my senior year, too. And, like, coach, you trusted me. Like, in this moment, he was usually allowing me to challenge him in these kinds of things. And, like, fight back was not the moment. Yeah. And he was like, who do you think you are? Like, I said five on two. Like, I was like, oh. I was like, sorry, everybody. I just pissed him off. Oops.
Az Fudd
Wait. That's so funny, because I feel like it is very hit or miss. Like, it's hard to read that fine line of like, oh, he wants you to stand up to him. Or like, okay, I actually listen to him this time.
Gabby Williams
Yeah. Was that the moment?
Az Fudd
That is so funny. Yeah. I'm not even gonna tell my story.
Gabby Williams
Okay.
Az Fudd
Yeah, that's gonna leave it at that.
Gabby Williams
What?
Ashanti Plummer
You can definitely tell your story.
Az Fudd
Okay. What am I gonna ask now instead? What was. So what would you say your senior year was, like, preparing for that transition to the W? Like, what do you think helped you the most? And what tips would you give me?
Gabby Williams
I remember everyone saying, like, how they want to recruit UConn kids cause they're already, like, pretty pro ready. I remember, like, we were talking or talking with. To Paige about this at All Star. Just like, how different it is. Just like, phones in the locker room. They're not running to a timeout. The, like, walking during warm ups when you become pro. Just like, all those little things that are so weird to kind of Yukon kids at first. So I guess, like, the tips I would give you is just to, like, keep those as long as you possibly can, because they do make a huge difference. And we're talking, like, sue about this on her podcast about how last year during the Olympics, I finally had time to, like, be in training camp a long time with the national team. And I was like, you know what? I'm gonna treat this like I. I was treated at UConn. I was like, if you're on the sideline, you're gonna clap. I remember even, like, yelling at our coaches because our coaches were, like, not paying attention during practice. I was like, clap. Like, we're sprinting, sprints. Like, you need to be just as engaged as we are. I was young, and my teammates, like, you know, like, you need to touch hands when you get off the sideline or whatever. Everyone needs to be talking. Everyone needs to be this. And I think it, like, really paid off and just seeing how just a little, like an ounce of Yukon culture can go a long way. I think it's allowed me to. To just have, like, a long career as well, professionally. I think this is. Yeah, this is year eight, and I think it's. Yeah, it's allowed me to stay on the league. It's allowed me to get contracts, just, like, keeping just these little UConn nuances as long as I can.
Az Fudd
That's amazing. Doing the little things the right way go along.
Gabby Williams
Yeah, they really do. And you'll see when you go pro that it's not instilled in everyone the way you might think it is. So keep that as long as you can.
Az Fudd
Coach reminds us all the time that we are in a bubble here. And no other program in college outside of college is like this. And I feel like that's just something that we don't really realize until we're thrown into whatever environment we're in next. Just because that's the standard here. It's what we're used to.
Gabby Williams
Yeah. You know, nothing else but that.
Az Fudd
I love that you brought that to your national team. That's so cool.
Gabby Williams
Tried, tried to, tried my best. I mean, it's, it's, you know, he's been doing it for 40 years. Like, it's not something that you do overnight. But like I said, if I could just bring a little bit to it, I think it goes such a long way.
Ashanti Plummer
So let's talk now a little bit about your wnba. Like you're preparing to go into the draft, right? Those weeks or those nights leading up to that. Can you talk to us a little bit about that process?
Gabby Williams
Weeks?
Az Fudd
I got like four days.
Ashanti Plummer
Yeah, My, my bad, my bad, My bad. Girls who played to April. So the couple of days leading up to the draft that you have, well.
Gabby Williams
It was hard because that year we had lost on another overtime freaking buzzer beater. And I remember just like, yeah, it was kind of like an out of body experience. Just like, okay, you come to realization that you've just played your last Yukon game, that you ended on an L, which is the worst feeling ever. And I remember just like feeling kind of weird before the draft, just like, okay, it's over. Like, I don't know, I just wasn't quite ready for the next step in that way. But as soon as, you know, I started looking at outfits, you start getting. We didn't have Nils, you know, back then. So it's like, oh, I started getting like kind of free things. I started getting like some jewelry for the draft. I'd hired my agent and started seeing like how cool life could look like as a pro in just like a few days, you know, like having an agent and then doing all these things, inviting family out, having your Alpha ready, picking a stylist, having your hair done. Like, I'd never. You never had these things for UConn because they were all illegal. And then I was like, okay, like, you see the, you see the light at the end of the tunnel, like, oh, like okay. My life's gonna be a kind of more fun. Not more fun, but like you said, to see, like, everything that you've worked for just in, like, that quick weekend.
Az Fudd
What was your welcome to the W moment?
Gabby Williams
Maya Moore scored 5 million points on me when I was playing in Chicago. Yeah, I had never. I mean, it's kind of cool, though.
Ashanti Plummer
I was gonna say legendary.
Gabby Williams
Legendary again, I would say it was a welcome to the W moment because that first half, I felt like we were guarding her pretty well, and I was like, okay, I can guard my.
Az Fudd
More.
Gabby Williams
Like, hell yeah. As soon as I said that to myself, yeah, like, it was just step back three. Like, boy, me to the basketball. Just taking my ankles from me. Just everything she did on me, she must have had 12 highlights, and they were all on me. Like, she could have had a whole N1 mixtape, and it was just Gabby Williams. Oh, no. And, yeah, because the first half, I remember she kind of struggled in the second half, she. I think she literally scored, like, 20 something in the second half and finished with 30 something. And I was like, never think that you've figured you figured someone out, especially Maya Moore.
Ashanti Plummer
So you remember what it's like being a rookie. What advice would you give Az when she gets to her rookie year?
Gabby Williams
Yeah, like I said, just don't lose. A lot of the things that have been instilled in you at UConn, like, they're gonna. They're gonna go a long way. I remember. I mean, I'm not sure where you're gonna land, but when you're a lottery pick, more than likely you're gonna land on a team that's not used to, like, winning as much, and it's gonna be like. It was definitely a culture shock for me. Just, like, everyone was so okay with losing, which was so weird. And I would say, like, don't fall into that for sure, if. I mean, unless you go number three and end up just somewhere that's not a losing culture, who knows? But if you go anywhere else, if you happen to go to a team that's, you know, not really fending for playoffs, do not let, like, that mindset contaminate you, I guess, or, like, be contagious, because it can be very easy to just, like, fall into that.
Az Fudd
Well, how did you find that middle ground of not being okay with losing but not holding onto those losses? Because you guys have such a quick turnaround to games, you can't be so upset about those last three losses?
Gabby Williams
Well, it was, like, the pace was a lot slower when I first came into the league, we weren't playing as many games as we play now and we were still flying commercials. So you weren't, you know, you couldn't have the back to backs and stuff. I remember just like trying to keep my head above water my rookie year. No one had any idea what to do with me. Like, I mean, coach had used me in such a specific way to UConn. That kind of worked only at UConn because of like the way you ran offense way everyone was just like read each other and played off each other that that wasn't really going to like translate to a WNBA team that wasn't as used to playing together, wasn't as disciplined. And so I remember just like trying to keep my head afloat and the wins and losses were just like, yeah, it seemed very clear that no one was like set on making playoffs too, which was weird. I was just like, okay, I don't think anyone really cares if we don't make playoffs. Which was weird. I was like, y' all aren't mad about this? Like, no, it's upset. So I'm just trying to keep my head above water and just like figure things out myself.
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Az Fudd
Okay, so we've talked a little bit, or you've talked a little bit about playing for your national team. How did you decide to play for the French national team instead of the US Team?
Gabby Williams
I remember in college, someone brought it up to me. It was like, she. I don't want to say who it is. Someone brought it. Someone brought it up to me. I remember I was taking like a French history course or something, and she was like, wait, are you French? Like, because I was like, yeah, you can speak French, blah, blah. She's like, you do have a. Like you have dual citizenship. And I was like, oh, I guess I never really thought about even, like, pursuing it. And so they put in my head and then I just reached out to the national team. And they're like, oh, yeah, you could totally play, like, with your heritage and stuff. But at that time, they weren't really, like, feeling me yet. And so because I was still in college, I think they're just kind of like, who is this? Because I remember, like, watching the Olympics in 2012 and, like, knowing. And at that time, I was with. Spending a lot of time with my grandma, who's French, so I was pretty, like, you know, in tune in my French culture at that point. And I was like, okay, that just kind of. I didn't know it was possible. So I was kind of just like, fantasizing about it, you know, just like, wow, what if I played for France? But I never thought that it was something that could actually become real. I thought it would have. I thought I would just have to go the USA route. And then once I learned that it was kind of possible, yeah, I reached out and they didn't really hit me back for years, honestly. Like, they. We had. We would have, like, conversations because I was playing in France, too. I'd met the national team coach, like, introduced myself. She came to, like, one of our games. I talked to, like, a few. A few people from the federation. I thought about, like, going the three on three route, and they were interested and they weren't. And then they were interested and they weren't. And then I ended up having, like, a great season in Euroleague to the point where, like, they couldn't deny me anymore. I guess, like, it became a topic of, like, you know, they'd be asked immediately, like, why isn't Gabby on the national team? So, yeah, it was actually mostly thanks to, like, thanks to my team in Hungary that I played for the national team because they really put me in a position to, like, be successful in euroleague and kind of put my name on the map in Europe and prove that I can be a great European player.
Az Fudd
Wow. I can't believe they didn't just jump on that immediately when you reached out. That's shocking.
Gabby Williams
Yeah, it's different. It's just different out there. They don't. The way they don't view the NCAA the same way we do. Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
Okay. Well, you made yourself undeniable, and you ended up missing the whole 2021 WNBA season to play for France. That's a huge statement. What made you make that decision?
Gabby Williams
Things weren't going great for me in Chicago as it was, I think, like, it was just like a. It was very obvious that it wasn't the right fit, and I was honest with them. Like, even before draft night, they like called me like, oh, we heard that you have a French passport. And I was like, yeah, don't. Don't draft me if that's going to be a problem. And they still drafted me and it became a problem. But I was always very open and honest that if I ever got called to the national team, that I would go. It was something that was always just like a huge priority for me. I mean, playing for your national team is just different than pro. It's just like a legacy that you kind of just want to leave and an opportunity to play in the Olympics. There was no way that I was gonna give anything up for that.
Az Fudd
What was it like being a first time All Star?
Gabby Williams
Oh, that was so fun. It was such a fun weekend. Yeah, I really wasn't expecting it. I wasn't expecting them to allow Seattle have three all Stars as well. I came into the season like, in really, really great shape, kind of from, like, I had just come from Turkey and so just seeing that finally be able to kind of translate to the WNBA side just felt, just felt awesome. You know, it was a lot of fun. Again, like seeing my, my family's reaction to it, my friend's reaction to it was cool. Getting to spend that weekend, like just with, with you and, and all like the UConn people that were there as well that, like, showed up. That was, that was really cool.
Az Fudd
It was definitely a fun weekend from the outside perspective. So being an actual All Star, I can't imagine how much fun that was.
Gabby Williams
It was cool. I mean, there were so many UConn people too as well, and just like even the old teammates, old roommates. So it's kind of cool to like spend those moments with them.
Ashanti Plummer
So Gabby, you mentioned you're getting ready to go to Turkey. Are you about to go play again? No more rest.
Gabby Williams
No more rest. No more rest. No, I, I had come to this agreement with. I played for Fenerbahce in Istanbul, Turkey, and it was pretty like I already had a wear, a lot of wear and tear on my body even before then. I had. Did the Olympics, came back, played the end of the season with Seattle. I got about two days, went right to play the super cup in Istanbul. Yeah, and so I already. And they were well aware of it. They knew that I was going to need rest at some point. So they were lucky enough to, you know, allow me to get some things done for my knee that I really need to get done so that I can be like the best player I can be for them. This season. I think it was very obvious by the way I looked at the end of this W season that everyone was like, why are you limping? I was like, I've been limping. Like, I've been limping. This is nothing new. So just. I think everyone knew that this break was going to be necessary, and I think mentally, to just give me a, you know, wanting to be excited to go back versus just like, oh, okay, I only have a couple of days just being like, okay, now I'm getting antsy to. To kind of play again.
Ashanti Plummer
Okay, well, good luck. I'm excited for you.
Gabby Williams
Thank you.
Ashanti Plummer
I was going to say, if you. You got more rest, come to a UConn game.
Gabby Williams
I know, I know. I need to. It's the same. Yeah, it's the same calendar. I remember I wake everyone up. I like, my mom was in Istanbul during the national championship last year during the Final Four, and I was like, we're staying up for this game. I don't care. I made her watch it.
Az Fudd
It's a real one right there.
Ashanti Plummer
Dedicated.
Gabby Williams
I think it started at like 1:00am I was like, we're watching this. Oh, gosh. I do that every Final Four. I'll say it. Yep.
Ashanti Plummer
Oh, that's love.
Az Fudd
That really is. It's time to pivot. We have some fan questions. I think over 500 questions were submitted. So What?
Gabby Williams
Yes.
Az Fudd
Obviously, we're not asking 500. We only picked some of them, but there were a lot. People want to know a lot of.
Gabby Williams
Things about you.
Ashanti Plummer
Can I just can't say one?
Az Fudd
Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
Courtney Williams asked one, and I think that should be the first question. Gabby, why you so fine, girl?
Gabby Williams
Courtney, when are you gonna leave me alone? God, I'm so sick of it. Leave me alone.
Az Fudd
All right, next question. So I've heard from some special source that you have a lot of hobbies. Some including DJing Beyblade battles on the plane, watching anime. How do you have time to have these hobbies outside of basketball? I guess Beyblade battles in the plane, kind of. That one's self explanatory. I'm interested to know how. How that came about.
Ashanti Plummer
Facts.
Gabby Williams
Sometimes I, like, realize that I have adult money now and free will.
Az Fudd
Adult money and free will.
Gabby Williams
Adult money and free will. That was a big one. I was like, I could just buy whatever Beyblades I want now. I don't have to ask my mom for them. So I bought all the Beyblade X's that I wanted and got back into it. My little brother was so into them. Like, so, so into them when we were little. And so then when I remember, he came to visit me and he was like, oh, this is this one and this one. Oh, this is Pegasus. And you have people like. So we got into. And we were just playing with my brothers and my niece the whole time they're in Seattle. And Yeah, same with DJing. I was like, I'm just very. Yeah, sometimes they randomly just learn that I have adult money and can do what I want sometimes. And that was. Those were two things. I just kind of were born of it.
Az Fudd
Did you get like a. I don't even know what it's called, like the DJ, like little mix controller.
Gabby Williams
Well, I had brought it up that I had been wanting to do it for like a really long time and I just didn't. I was like, I don't know. And then Maureen got me one, I think for like Christmas or my birthday or something. She got me like the controller and I was like, all right, all right, this is a good idea. I should do this. Ended up being really, really fun.
Az Fudd
You got to send some of your mixes.
Gabby Williams
I'd love to. I'll come to.
Ashanti Plummer
What's your DJ name?
Gabby Williams
We don't have one yet. My Pinky's broken. And so it was really funny. Like, whenever I would dj, you can always see like my Pinky like this. So you're like, we should just call me Pinky, like DJ Pinky or something. I think it's stupid, but I'll find a name.
Az Fudd
We need DJ Pinky to come perform at Tits.
Ashanti Plummer
So you're also into anime. How'd you get into that?
Gabby Williams
That's been forever. That was before I knew it was like anime, you know, they were just like. They were just the cartoons that I came home and watched at 3 o' clock when I got home from school. Just like sprinting. Because Yu Gi oh started at 3:30, you know, so get a. Sprinting home from the bus stop so I could be in front of the TV in time. So I think Yu Gi oh was like, like the biggest one that got me into it. Inuasha was also one because.
Ashanti Plummer
Yes.
Gabby Williams
Yeah, I used to watch that. Remember it used to be on Adult Swim?
Ashanti Plummer
A hundred percent. I used to come on at all kinds of hours and I'm like, all right.
Gabby Williams
So I remember being like, oh, this is like the bad thing I'm gonna watch. My parents don't know what I'm watching. Like, and that's midnight.
Ashanti Plummer
And I was an elevated cartoon about like going around killing and saving people.
Gabby Williams
Like okay, Right, right. And I just remember just. Yeah. Being up on when it wasn't a school night. I got to like watching Yuasha late at night. And then again learning that I had free will in college and I was like, oh, I can just go back and re. Watch all the Sailor Moon episodes. Like, I can just go back and watch all the Dragon. Dragon Ball Z and just like. Yeah. And then of course, you start to find like, the anime community that puts you on to, you know, if you like this, you should watch this. And then you just get down a rabbit hole that you can't escape.
Ashanti Plummer
What's your favorite? Right now?
Gabby Williams
I'm watching Gotcha Gacha Kuda right now. Love Chainsaw. Man. This is controversial because of the fan service, but I do love Fire Force. I don't agree with the fan service, but I do Fire Force.
Az Fudd
Yeah, these are all anime names.
Gabby Williams
And she's like, girl, what are you talking about? I don't know what you guys talking about.
Ashanti Plummer
It's an elevated cartoon.
Az Fudd
I'm gonna have to watch an episode.
Ashanti Plummer
Don't call it a cartoon though.
Gabby Williams
The.
Ashanti Plummer
The community is real serious.
Gabby Williams
Right.
Ashanti Plummer
Start with Naruto.
Az Fudd
Okay. I've heard of a copy from Dragon Ball Z or something. Yes.
Ashanti Plummer
Dragon Ball Z. Yu Gi. Oh, easy.
Gabby Williams
Yeah, Naruto too. Naruto is the one I watched a lot as a kid that was on. I think it was on Nickelodeon all the time.
Ashanti Plummer
But yeah, now some of these are on Netflix and stuff. So accessible.
Gabby Williams
Yeah, there's a lot of Netflix originals. I have a tattoo of a Netflix original that's really, really good. Don't start with that one. It's called Devilman Crybaby. I think you need to. If you start with that one, you're gonna be put off from anime for a long time.
Ashanti Plummer
Like, it's not traumatized.
Gabby Williams
You're gonna be traumatized. Yeah, don't. Don't start with that.
Az Fudd
All right, I gotta start.
Gabby Williams
It is definitely one of my favorites.
Az Fudd
Okay. Speaking of your tattoos, what's your favorite tattoo?
Gabby Williams
I really like my anime ones.
Az Fudd
How many anime ones do you have?
Gabby Williams
Let's see. I have two from Spirited Away. I don't know. You've probably seen Spirited Away. It's like, not that. Yes, it's. Yeah, that's the movie you should watch. That's when you can start with for sure.
Az Fudd
Okay, perfect. Perfect.
Ashanti Plummer
Some movie. It's cute, this.
Gabby Williams
Horses. Okay. Yeah, it's like, beautiful to watch, to like the animation. But yeah, I like my spirit. I get a lot of compliments on My no Face tattoo. I have one from Attack on Titan on my arm that's like, that. I love. I just love.
Ashanti Plummer
You are really into anime, and I love this.
Gabby Williams
Yeah. I have more. I have JoJo's Bizarre Adventure on my ribs, and I love how that one looks too. Yeah. My anime ones, I think, are the coolest. I have Double Men Crybaby on my knee. I have another Spirited Away one. I'm probably gonna get more anime ones, but. Yeah.
Az Fudd
What was the first tattoo you ever got?
Gabby Williams
I got a matching one on my shoulder with my sister. I'm from reno. Shout out to 775. And we are. We like to get our tattoos in people's kitchens and garages. We like to find whoever has a tattoo gun or knows an artist.
Az Fudd
Oh, gosh.
Gabby Williams
And so, yeah, I got my first tattoo in my friend's kitchen at 14, and then when I got to UConn, you weren't allowed. I think you guys can have tattoos visible now. Right?
Az Fudd
But, yeah. No. I remember watching you play, and my whole family was convinced that you had some sort of shoulder injury.
Gabby Williams
Yeah. For four years. The same one.
Az Fudd
Yeah.
Gabby Williams
And they're like, what kind of injury? Like, does that kind of tape help? Like, I listen.
Az Fudd
I wasn't asking questions. I was like, just a sore. Right.
Ashanti Plummer
I don't know.
Gabby Williams
I remember, like, cd. I probably put her through hell, like, my first two weeks of UConn, like, because, you know, CD also has a lot of rules of, like, she didn't like wearing shirts under jerseys because I heard, like, the no tattoo rule, and I was like, oh, that's fine. Like, I wear a long sleeve under my jersey. Jersey. Like I did in high school, anyways. I was like, I'll just wear a shirt under. CD was like, oh, that's even worse than the tattoo. And I was like, okay. We tried to, like, cut the shirt a certain way, which looked horrible. We tried to put makeup on it, and she didn't want regular tape because she was like, the only thing I hate more than a tattoo is tape covering up a tattoo. Like, she thought it looked tacky. And I was like, okay, just cd, you know? Yeah. So I think, like, five games into this season, after trying different things, we finally settled on kinesio tape because it looked. Yeah. Like an injury. And then it became a part of my pregame routine, like, cutting the tape properly, getting the trainer to put it on. Right. Like. Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
Speaking of cd, tell us about your cat and how you hid it from her.
Az Fudd
Oh, man.
Gabby Williams
Yeah. Oh, that was so bad. Yeah. I remember, like, when I finally left UConn and with my cat and my mom being like, you survived. You made it out. You made it out with your cat. It's so bad. I don't think. I think even to this day, I'm scared to tell her that, like, my whole senior year, I have. Yeah. Sorry. Yeah. She's probably gonna text me when she sees this. Like, I remember one time Lou. Lou got called into. Or she not called into, but she was in the coach's offices, and she had cat hair, like, all over her. Shout out to Lou. She is a real one, but she'd been cuddling with my cat all day, and the coaches were like, is that cat hair? And she was like, I was at my friend's house, like, thought of a lie on the fly. Like, a real one. A real one? Yeah, for sure. She was like, oh, my God. She was like, I forgot to get the cat hair off. But I remember, like, having my cat had to stay at, like, my friend's house when we would do, like, the fire inspections, whatever. When the people would come inspect the apartment, I'd have to hide her and just. We had a fire drill once. Keanu loves the story. And I had to, like, grab the cat and run out. And then I, like, hid in the car so nobody saw that. Like, I had. I had it with me, but I can't believe.
Az Fudd
I can't believe successfully you hit her from cd. That's so impressive.
Gabby Williams
And I had her, like, my entire senior year, too. Like, I got her.
Az Fudd
Oh, wow.
Gabby Williams
I got her. She was. Yeah, I think I got her. November, December. Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
I was putting CD through the ringer.
Gabby Williams
Yeah. To this day, this is gonna be how she found. Finds out to the same. Really still petrified and, like, haven't told her.
Az Fudd
I'm sorry. You're definitely gonna get a text. Fans love your style, and so do I. What was your favorite fit from last season?
Gabby Williams
Ooh. Good question also. Thank you. Flattered. I think it was when my niece was in town visiting. She's 10 years old, and she styled. It was like, a Jordan vest. I think I had, like, a long button up underneath and, like, a white skirt. And my. My niece actually styled that one for me. Oh, yeah. And I think that was my favorite look, and it was fun, like, because we have a group chat with my niece and my sister, and they would help me out with my outfits all season because I don't have a stylist of my own. I just do it myself or with them. And so my niece was finally visiting me, and I was like, okay, like, we can go through the closet together. You can help me and. Yeah.
Az Fudd
That's so sweet. All right. If I come to Seattle, I'm gonna need her to come style me.
Gabby Williams
Honestly, she'd do a great job. She would do a great job. She's so cool. It's so annoying how cool she is at 10 years old.
Az Fudd
Well, she's a cool aunt, so.
Gabby Williams
Aw.
Ashanti Plummer
So, Gabby, the fans want to know, what did you whisper into Jewel's ear after game three?
Gabby Williams
Yeah, that was weird. It got, like, weirdly. Went weirdly viral, and I was. Yeah, it was. Yeah, it was just one of those things where I just said, like, all right. I was like, you little. Or something stupid, like, you know, like, you got me. Whatever. It's. It's Jewel. It's all love. And I think. Yeah, we always just make little remarks. Like, even when we would score on each other sometimes in, like, games during the regular season or whatever, she'd be like, don't do that again. Or like, she blocked this on me once. I was like, don't do that again. You know, just like. Like, I've known joke forever. Just joke. So I think I just said, like, like, you little shit. And then I wish. Just wished her good luck for. For the rest of playoffs.
Az Fudd
When you wore Jordan, the storm lost. How do you feel about that? Oh, and five, he wore George. It's kind of crazy.
Gabby Williams
Listen, I'm. Thank you. Thank you for asking me about this. This has been, like, the most annoying thing, and I. It is so annoying. We were losing every game at that point. We were on, like, a six game, seven game losing streak. I'm like, it's not the jorts, y'. All. Like, we're. We are not playing well. And it was so annoying because it would, like, mess with me mentally, which I hate it because usually, like, I'm not on Twitter. I. I got off Twitter a long time ago. Even my anime Twitter, it's not even fun anymore. Oh, I know. All the basketball fans are My anime Twitter. So I'm like, I got this to escape basketball, and now they've all found me. So I'm like, I'm not even on Twitter anymore. People are. I was still finding a way for me to, like, see this freaking thing. Every Instagram comment was, like, about jorts. Ruined a lot of my outfits that I had ready for this year. So jokes on y'. All. Y' all missed out on a lot of good looks, so keep tweeting about jorts and keep missing out on some outfits.
Ashanti Plummer
Jokes on the I'm crying.
Gabby Williams
I'm crying.
Ashanti Plummer
George Gay Eliminated.
Gabby Williams
Eliminated. Yeah. I was like, this is what y' all decided to focus on. Like.
Az Fudd
How about the basketball?
Ashanti Plummer
How about the basketball?
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Sophia Donner
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Ashanti Plummer
All right, so now it's time for our fun and games. The first one is the what? The FUD of the week. So what the flood of the week is something that happened this week that made you go, what the. I already have one. It is Ms. Az Flood dropping 31, baby. 31. First one of the season.
Gabby Williams
30 ball. Yeah, first one. But we know we're going to see a few more. I mean, you look in such great shape and it's a 31, but it is the most efficient 31 in college basketball right now, which I really respect because as you know, like, scoring 30 at UConn is not something that happens a lot. And, but obviously, you know, you're going 444. Like, that's gonna be easy. But because you don't see like volume shooters and so you're not. You're getting this as a non volume shooter, like, you're getting this officially. Wow. This year you're taking the best matchup. Like, you're, you're also. Your defense is what has really impressed me this year. And I just think, let me stop hyping you so that you don't go talk to me. Actually, like, hold up, let me relax before someone takes you beforehand. Well, thank you.
Az Fudd
I'm channeling my inner Gabby Williams this year. Defensively, you know, I'm trying to get on those boards and that's where my what the FUD comes in. My what the FUD is Sarah Strong and her 20 rebounds?
Ashanti Plummer
Yeah. That's insane.
Gabby Williams
Yeah. We're seeing a generational talent.
Az Fudd
She's different.
Gabby Williams
You're absolutely seeing a generational talent.
Ashanti Plummer
So we're gonna pivot onto our next game. It is called Thanksgiving this or that. So I'm going to give you guys two options and you're going to tell me which one you would prefer.
Gabby Williams
Ready?
Ashanti Plummer
First one. Turkey or ham?
Az Fudd
Turkey.
Gabby Williams
I don't eat meat. Yeah, same.
Az Fudd
What did.
Gabby Williams
I was vegan for a long time. I'm a bit more vegetarian because going overseas, it's a lot harder to. Especially in Turkey. I don't speak the language, so I still like, I never eat meat, but I'll go between vegan and vegetarian. When I'm in the States, it's much easier or even in France, it's way easier to be vegan.
Az Fudd
But wait, vegan is no eggs.
Gabby Williams
No eggs, no dairy, no honey, no.
Az Fudd
Meat product, no yogurt.
Gabby Williams
No cottage cheese. No yogurt. No cottage cheese.
Az Fudd
Don't get her started as a vegetarian. Like, what the heck do you eat.
Gabby Williams
If you don't eat cottage cheese? A lot of things. They actually make dairy free yogurt, which I. I eat almost every day, actually. Okay. Like, yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
All right, y'.
Gabby Williams
All.
Ashanti Plummer
Mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole? Mashed potatoes.
Gabby Williams
Sweet potato.
Az Fudd
Sweet potato casserole.
Gabby Williams
Sweet potato. Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
Stuffings are dressing.
Gabby Williams
Stuffing, stuffing.
Ashanti Plummer
Gravy or cranberry sauce?
Az Fudd
Gravy.
Gabby Williams
Neither. I don't like either. Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
Green bean casserole or roasted brussels sprouts?
Az Fudd
Green bean.
Gabby Williams
Oh, Brussels sprouts. I love Brussels sprouts.
Ashanti Plummer
I can't believe you. Cornbread or dinner rolls? Both.
Az Fudd
Yeah, both.
Ashanti Plummer
Mac and cheese or scalloped potatoes? Mac and cheese.
Az Fudd
Mac and cheese.
Ashanti Plummer
Baked Mac and cheese for me. Pumpkin pie or apple pie?
Az Fudd
Oh, apple pie.
Gabby Williams
Sweet potato. Oh, apple pie. Facts, probably. Apple pie. Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
Apple pie dinners starting at 2:00pm or 8:00pm?
Az Fudd
Two. So I can eat again at eight?
Gabby Williams
Yep, exactly. Yeah. If there was a right answer, that'd be it.
Ashanti Plummer
Yeah. Host at your house or visit family? Visit family. I don't want to do all the.
Az Fudd
Cooking, so as long as my family's there, I don't care where we are.
Ashanti Plummer
Aw, that's cute.
Gabby Williams
That was cute. I. I like to host. I like to cook a lot. I like to cook. I like to have people over. Yeah, yeah, come over. I'll host that. I will.
Ashanti Plummer
Oh, good question. So who's tasting it?
Az Fudd
How you gonna know what's good? I'll be tasting it.
Gabby Williams
Taste testing. I will have, like, yeah, I'll have someone taste it. But yeah, I'm not, I'm not someone. Like, I'm not gonna yuck your. Yummy. I'm not like one of the, you know, the Vegetarians. That's like, ew, you're eating that? Do you know what that is? Like, do your thing. If you want me to cook it, I'll cook it. If you want to eat it, it doesn't gross me out. Or it does gross me out, but I'm not gonna, like, make you not want to eat it, you know? Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
Dress comfy or dressed up?
Az Fudd
Comfy.
Gabby Williams
Dressed up.
Ashanti Plummer
Dressed up. Black Friday. Shopping in person or online? Online.
Az Fudd
In person.
Ashanti Plummer
Word, y' all pulling up two stores?
Gabby Williams
It depends what I'm shopping for, but probably in person. All right.
Ashanti Plummer
When y' all fighting a grandma over a tv, good luck.
Gabby Williams
It's cuz online is dangerous. So easy to put. Yeah, no, like, it's too easy to put everything in your cart that you don't need.
Ashanti Plummer
Oh, okay. In person, you have a little bit more. No.
Gabby Williams
Yeah.
Ashanti Plummer
Discernment over what you're getting. Okay. Start decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving or after Thanksgiving after.
Az Fudd
When I'm at home, it's after, but at school it's before.
Ashanti Plummer
After. But honestly, I love Christmas, so I'm like, ring on the pink Christmas tree.
Gabby Williams
I leave my Halloween decorations up too long. So. Okay. I'm like, morning Halloween. When Christmas comes around, I'm like, no. Spooky season's over.
Ashanti Plummer
All right, ladies, that's the end of our game.
Az Fudd
All right. And that is all we have for today's episode. Gabby, thank you so much for joining us. This was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed getting to know a lot of things about you, but mostly your anime. I'm excited to go watch some. I don't even know what. What I've. What are we. Okay, that's what I'm starting with. Yeah, I'm excited to start. Yeah. So thank you so much for joining us and listeners. Thank you guys for tuning in in today. Don't forget to rate review and subscribe to FUD around and find out wherever you get your podcasts. And we'll see you guys next week. Fud around and Find out is a production of I Heart, Women's Sports and Unanimous Media. Executive producers are Jesse Katz, Eric Payton, Sharla Sumter, Brigitte and Stephen Curry. Co executive producer is Kalena Maria Kutney. Producers are Mike Coscarelli and co producers are Kurt Redmond, Maya Howard, and Jaclyn Schoeninger. This podcast is edited by Mike Coscarelli and hosted by me, Az Fudd and Ashanti Plummer.
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Gabby Williams
All.
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This is that classic hbcu you vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride. A game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, that we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere and an ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo. No matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.
Gabby Williams
You know what a girl's best friend is.
Az Fudd
Not diamonds.
Gabby Williams
Her lawyers.
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Gabby Williams
Make it rain. Showtime, ladies. Stand up straight and breeze into that.
Sophia Donner
Room like a storm no one saw coming.
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Episode: Meet Evil Azzi w/ Gabby Williams
Date: November 28, 2025
Host: Azzi Fudd (with co-host Ashanti Plummer)
Guest: Gabby Williams
In this lively and candid episode, UConn star Azzi Fudd and co-host Ashanti Plummer welcome Gabby Williams—UConn legend, WNBA player, and French national team member—for a wide-ranging conversation. Together, they delve into Gabby’s journey from multi-sport beginnings to pro basketball stardom, her experiences navigating injury comebacks, the origins of her “Evil Azzi” persona, and her passions outside basketball—including anime, Beyblade battles, and DJing. The episode features illuminating moments on team culture at UConn and the WNBA, lots of laughter, and a fun “Thanksgiving This or That” game to round things out.
Gabby explains how she came to play for the French national team via her heritage, language skills, and pro career in Europe. It took convincing the French federation of her European credentials.
Missing the 2021 WNBA season for the Olympics:
The hosts field several fan questions and some from players like Courtney Williams (“Gabby, why you so fine, girl?” (44:31)), leading to lots of playful banter.
Gabby reveals her adult “free will” lets her now buy Beyblades, DJ controllers, and embrace her passions.
Shares origin stories for her love of anime and her many related tattoos, campaigns for “DJ Pinky” as her potential DJ name, and reminiscences about watching shows like “YuGiOh,” “Naruto,” and “Spirited Away.”
Tattoo tales: Gabby got her first in a friend’s kitchen at 14 and wore kinesio tape at UConn to cover it up, leading the Fudd family to think she had a chronic shoulder injury.
Cat smuggling: Gabby recounts successfully hiding her pet cat from Coach CD for her entire senior year.
Fashion talk: Her favorite fit was styled by her niece, a fun family moment that also made it to team group chats.
Jorts controversy: Gabby jokes about fans blaming her Bermuda shorts for a Storm losing streak.
Azzi gets the spotlight for dropping the first 30+ point game of the UConn season.
Sarah Strong’s 20-rebound game also draws astonished shouts from the hosts.
On UConn’s uniqueness:
On being ‘Evil Azzi’:
On pro basketball culture shock:
On fully embracing adulthood:
On team camaraderie:
The conversation is friendly, humorous, and unfiltered. Both hosts and Gabby blend playful teasing with real talk about the pressures and culture of elite women’s basketball. Genuine camaraderie, references to team in-jokes, pop culture, and open reflections on struggle and success make the episode feel like catching up with friends behind the scenes.
This episode showcases not just Gabby Williams’ athletic achievements, but also the behind-the-scenes realities and culture of UConn basketball, the grind of a basketball career, and the personalities that make women’s sports so compelling. Passion for both the game and life outside it shines through, and Gabby’s wide range of interests makes her one of the most relatable, fun-loving guests yet.