“Frontrunner for National Player of the Year”: College hoops fans celebrate Hannah Hidalgo after ACC honor
Fans reacted as Hannah Hidalgo was named the ACC Player of the Week. The sophomore guard has been influential in the Fighting Irish's strong 9-2 start to the season, including impressive victories over three top-five opponents.
On Tuesday, Hidalgo was named the ACC Player of the Week for the third time this season and sixth time overall. She had previously won the honor on Nov. 25, and shared it with Florida State senior Makayla Timpson on Nov. 18.
The Fighting Irish shared Hidalgo's latest achievement on Instagram, and fans reacted. Some hyped up her chances to win the coveted National Player of the Year honor this season should she continue her current performances.
"Most definitely she should be FrontRunner for national player of the year," said one fan.
"Just give her poty you know how this go..," said another.
Another fan added, "She remind me of @chennedycarter she got that spark and no one stopping them!! Hidalgo is a definite number one spot."
Others also hailed her achievement:
"She is terribly good," said one fan.
Another fan said, "And many more too come!"
"Well deserved I'm really proud of her," added another.
Hidalgo was sensational in the past week, powering the Fighting Irish to wins over former No. 2 UConn and Eastern Michigan. Across both games, she averaged an impressive 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 4.5 steals.
Hannah Hidalgo makes electric start to sophomore season
Hannah Hidalgo is one of three sophomores who made the AP's Preseason All-American team ahead of this season. She has justified her place in the team, dazzling the nation with incredible performances across Notre Dame's opening 11 games.
Hidalgo is averaging an astonishing 25.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 4.2 steals, emphasizing her importance to Niele Ivey's team early on.
The Fighting Irish continue to make giant strides in the AP Top 25 weekly poll, jumping five places to No. 3 in the latest update. They are favored to continue their winning run in their next game, as they face Loyola Maryland on Dec. 22 at 12 p.m. ET.