Hoops analyst compares Hannah Hidalgo’s “exciting game” with Allen Iverson: “That’s what we need”

Notre Dame sophomore Hannah Hidalgo has been in the spotlight this season, leading her team to a 9-2 start. Her ability to take over games and make incredible plays has drawn comparisons to NBA icon Allen Iverson.

Rachel A DeMita, college basketball analyst and former player, had high praise for Hidalgo's scoring output. In a recent episode of her podcast, "Courtside Club," DeMita discussed Hidalgo's near triple-double performance against Paige Bueckers and No. 2 UConn on Thursday.

"There is not enough spotlight on [Hannah Hidalgo] right now," Rachel said (6:02). "She is exciting, and that's what we need in women's basketball. That's why I feel like one of the reasons why Caitlin Clark rose to fame as quickly because she plays an exciting brand of basketball.

"There's a reason in the NBA why Allen Iverson was more famous and more people wanted to watch Allen Iverson than they did Tim Duncan," she continued. "He was more exciting to watch. He did flashy things, he was passionate about the game ... and that was something that drew fans to want to watch him play. She is somebody that I see something similar in her."

Hannah Hidalgo had 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in Notre Dame's 79-68 win over the Huskies. She is averaging 25.2 points per game this season — second in the nation.

Her stat line and ability to dominate the game in that fashion is reminiscent of Iverson's prime with the Sixers when he averaged 31.4 points, 5.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Hannah Hidalgo stats vs. Eastern Michigan (Dec. 15)

Hannah Hidalgo continued her torrent start to the season, scoring 27 points to go with four assists, four rebounds and six steals in Notre Dame's 118-49 win over Eastern Michigan.

At Purcell Pavilion on Sunday, Hidalgo nailed 10-of-14 field goals and 2-of-4 from 3-point range to power the No. 3 Fighting Irish to their ninth win.

Here is Hannah Hidalgo's number against EMU:

24 minutes played
27 points
4 rebounds
4 assists
6 steals
0 blocks
2 turnovers
10-14 FG
2-4 3PT
5-5 FT

It was Hidalgo's ninth 20-point game this season. Before this campaign started, many believed it would be Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins who would dominate women's basketball headlines, but Hidalgo has stolen the show.

Notre Dame will take on the Loyola Greyhounds next on Sunday at home before facing Virginia to conclude this year's calendar.