Notre Dame freshman Hannah Hidalgo is a highlight reel, but her best work is her lighting-quick defense.
There are some people do just don’t let labels bother them. Hannah Hidalgo is one of those people. The freshman guard does not play like it’s her first year in Division I basketball.
While some players make a name for themselves through shooting, Hidalgo’s defense is what makes her different. Since her debut in November 2023, she has been energy-personified and her activity is a good reason why she leads the country in steals. That is NOT a typo.
In addition to her offensive prowess, Hidalgo has 74 steals this season. The best part of her game is that she has a natural talent for making others look silly.
Hannah Hidalgo gets her 6th steal and takes it coast to coast for @NDWBB! #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/b0YWOXyzmD
— Notre Dame on NBC (@NDonNBC) November 18, 2023
She recently caught up with Pete Iacobelli of the Associated Press to explain why:
“I think the whole sequence of picking somebody’s pocket is definitely my favorite,” Hidalgo told The Associated Press by phone.
“Anticipating, making a move like a crossover, just having my hand ready to deflect it, then going on the fast breaking and bringing that energy from my defense.”
“One game,” Hidalgo said, “the girl was like, ‘No, I’m not bringing the ball up if she’s guarding me.'”