Notre Dame women's basketball has a rich history of producing exceptional guards. From Skylar Diggins-Smith to Arike Ogunbowale, the Fighting Irish have consistently boasted some of the most talented ball-handlers in the nation.
Now, the torch has been passed to a new rising star: freshman Hannah Hidalgo.
In her first season in South Bend, Hidalgo has already made a significant impact. She is currently averaging 14.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. Her impressive play has helped Notre Dame start the season with a 10-2 record, including a top-10 win over Louisville.
Hidalgo's success at Notre Dame is a testament to her hard work and talent. She was a McDonald's All-American and the No. 14 recruit in the country coming out of high school.
But it's not just her athleticism that has set her apart. Hidalgo also has a high basketball IQ and a relentless work ethic.
"Hannah is a very talented player," said Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey. "She's got a great feel for the game and she's a very hard worker."
While it's still early in her career, Hidalgo is already drawing comparisons to some of Notre Dame's all-time greats.
| Player | Freshman Season PPG |
|---|---|
| Hannah Hidalgo | 14.3 |
| Skylar Diggins-Smith | 13.4 |
| Arike Ogunbowale | 10.5 |
As you can see, Hidalgo's freshman season scoring average is comparable to Diggins-Smith and Ogunbowale, who went on to become two of the most decorated players in Notre Dame history.
Of course, Hidalgo is still a freshman. She has a lot to learn and develop before she reaches her full potential.
One area where Hidalgo needs to improve is her consistency. She has shown flashes of brilliance but has also had some games where she's struggled to find her rhythm.
Hidalgo will also need to adjust to the physicality of the college game. She is still relatively small and can be overpowered by stronger opponents.
Despite these challenges, Hidalgo's future is bright. She has the talent, the work ethic, and the coaching staff to help her reach her full potential.
If she continues to develop, Hidalgo could become one of the best guards in the country and lead Notre Dame to a national championship.
Hannah Hidalgo is already one of the most exciting young players in women's basketball. She has the potential to be a special player for Notre Dame and lead the Fighting Irish to great heights.
It will be fun to watch her continue to develop and reach her full potential in the years to come.
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