When you talk about the best backcourts in college basketball, it’s hard not to mention Notre Dame guards Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles. Together, they’ve helped push the Fighting Irish into the national spotlight with their electrifying play and leadership. The duo has already earned multiple honors, and it’s clear they’re just getting started.
Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles: Notre Dame’s Unstoppable Backcourt
Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles have been named finalists for several major national awards this season, further solidifying their place as the top backcourt in the nation.
Hidalgo was named one of the 10 finalists for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, which is given to the best shooting guard in the country. While a Notre Dame player has yet to win this award, Hidalgo’s selection puts her in the conversation as one of the best at her position.
Miles, on the other hand, is a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award, which recognizes the best point guard in women’s college basketball. Only Skylar Diggins, who won the award in 2012 and 2013, has claimed the prize from Notre Dame, but Miles’ exceptional play this season has placed her in the running.
Both players have built impressive resumes, and these awards are just the beginning of what could be a string of honors for the duo. Their on-court performance and leadership have made them the backbone of Notre Dame’s success this year, and it’s easy to see why they’re receiving recognition from the Basketball Hall of Fame and other top organizations.
Beyond the individual awards, Hidalgo and Miles stand out because of their ability to work together and drive Notre Dame to victory. Their performances were key in big wins over USC and UConn earlier this season.
What’s Next for Hidalgo and Miles?
Legendary UConn coach Geno Auriemma acknowledged the duo’s impact after their win over the Huskies, noting that the Irish played with a shorter rotation, meaning that Hidalgo and Miles were on the floor for extended stretches. Despite this, the two guards showed no signs of fatigue and kept the team on track to secure the win.
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One of the best examples of their connection came in Notre Dame’s dominant 97-54 win over Loyola (Maryland.) Late in the third quarter, Hidalgo and Miles combined for one of the most memorable highlights of the season.
Miles delivered a behind-the-back, between-the-legs pass to Hidalgo, who finished the play with a smooth layup. Seconds later, Hidalgo stole the ball from Loyola and threw a no-look, over-the-shoulder pass to forward Liatu King, who finished the play with a dunk.
As the season progresses, their performances will continue to be a key factor in Notre Dame’s tournament aspirations.
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