SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Irish sophomore Hannah Hidalgo was added to another watch list on Wednesday, this time for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. Fifteen players made the cut. The All-American from South Jersey was a semifinalist for the honor last year and is the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
In addition to her offensive acumen — 26.1 points per game — Hidalgo is a generational menace on the defensive end of the floor. Hidalgo ranks second nationally with 4.1 steals per game and she has 16 games this season with at least 3 steals.
Referred to by Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Coach Niele Ivey as the team’s “Energizer Bunny,” Hidalgo frequently picks up guards at the opposing baseline and pressures them as they move down the court on nearly every possession.