In the aftermath of the ACC Tournament, it's time to honor Hannah Hidalgo's remarkable achievement and the promise it demands. Hidalgo's recent statistical milestone, surpassing Skylar Diggins as Notre Dame's second-leading scorer, is a testament to her talent and the team's potential.
What makes this achievement even more intriguing is the context. Hidalgo's performance in Notre Dame's valiant 65-63 loss to Duke in the ACC Tournament semifinals highlights the team's resilience and the challenges they face. Despite trailing by 15 points early, the Irish fought back, showcasing their determination and skill.
Hidalgo's final 3-pointer, a steal by Cass Prosper, and the team's trust in each other demonstrate their ability to execute under pressure. However, the loss to Duke raises questions about Notre Dame's ability to consistently perform at a high level, especially against top-tier opponents.
The Irish now face a challenging path to the Sweet 16, needing to beat teams like Duke or Louisville, projected as 3 seeds. This raises a deeper question: Can Notre Dame's current roster, with its mix of experienced players and one-and-done transfers, sustain the level of play required to make a deep NCAA Tournament run?
The answer lies in the team's ability to build an elite roster around Hidalgo, a player in the conversation for the greatest women's basketball player of all time. General manager Pat Garrity and the Irish administration must commit to adding players from the transfer portal and securing the commitment of key players like Prosper and Hidalgo herself.
The future of Notre Dame women's basketball depends on these decisions. The team's success in the 2027 season and beyond hinges on their ability to create a cohesive and dominant roster. It's a promise that the Irish must keep to their fans and to Hidalgo, ensuring her legacy as a cornerstone of the program's success.
