Marcus Freeman is the type of coach who doesn't just stay in his lane and only stick to football at Notre Dame. He is the type of coach who is going to go out and support other programs in South Bend and other players who are stars as well.
When it comes to women's basketball at Notre Dame, it seems like no one is a bigger fan than Freeman and even his team. Freeman shared a story that the entire football team, after their game against Syracuse, was watching Notre Dame take on USC, and star Hannah Hidalgo hit a buzzer-beater shot to win the game, and the entire bus went wild.
Freeman spoke very highly of Hidalgo and the type of player she is on the court. If there is someone who knows how to spot special talent, it is certainly Freeman, and he sees that Hidalgo is a special player on the court. Freeman is even going as far as to say she is the best player in the country.
"She’s a complete basketball player," Freeman said. "I think that’s what makes her the best all-around player in the country.”
Marcus Freeman calls Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo “a dog.”
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) March 2, 2026
“She’s a complete basketball player. And I think that’s what makes her the best all-around player in the country.”
He knows. pic.twitter.com/nRX6AbJcAc
Hannah Hidalgo is having one of the best Notre Dame women's basketball careers ever
There is no doubt that Hannah Hidalgo is one of the best players in the country, if not the best player in the country. The junior guard in three seasons at Notre Dame has been the highlight of the team, making the Irish better in every way.
Hidalgo is putting together the best career Notre Dame women's basketball has ever seen. Since stepping on the court in South Bend, Hidalgo has yet to play a game where she hasn't scored double-digit points. That is nearly three full seasons, which is something never heard of before. He is also the leader in steals for the Irish with 441 in three years.
Her third season has been her best so far, averaging 25.2 points per game, 6.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 5.6 steals. No one is more important to their team than Hidalgo is to Notre Dame, and she could very easily lead this team to a National Championship.