Notre Dame 2024-25 Season

[visitingcock]

To me Miles and Hidalgo are both pure point guards. So, if they are in the backcourt together. I am really curious to see how that works. I think Hidalgo would probably be better off ball than Miles if I had to speculate.

Raven and Paopao worked well for us last year and I thing Miles and Hidalgo will work out just as well for y'all.

 

[GoChips20]

To me Miles and Hidalgo are both pure point guards. So, if they are in the backcourt together. I am really curious to see how that works. I think Hidalgo would probably be better off ball than Miles if I had to speculate.

The way I look at it is Miles is a natural PG who can play SG (inside the arc) and Hidalgo is a natural SG who can play PG. Both combo guards, but Miles is a more natural distributor and Hidalgo is a more natural scorer.

Even with Texas, UConn, and South Carolina’s loaded backcourts there’s no trio I’d rather have than Miles/Hidalgo/Citron. I can’t think of a single thing that group can’t do.

 

[mudcat]

How on earth did Stanford make his list? Who do they have left??

They have 8 players who were ranked in the ESPN top 100 remaining on their roster, also 4 overseas students who obviously weren't ranked. They have a lot of talent left, I think they'll be much better than most people expect.

 

[Reypl21]

To me Miles and Hidalgo are both pure point guards. So, if they are in the backcourt together. I am really curious to see how that works. I think Hidalgo would probably be better off ball than Miles if I had to speculate.

Mmmm, Miles is more of a pure point. Hidalgo is a scoring guard that is in a PG's body. Miles doesn't seem to care about scoring as much as she enjoys getting her teammates involved. I think HH will be the recipient of a lot of passes from Miles. They'll go together fine! More than fine!

Hoping ND a streak of better health this season. And more recruits in the future. Starting the season off in mid-season form in terms of injuries.

 

[Dillon77]

A few points on Notre Dame's 105-61 romp over Mercyhurst in their opener.

- Mercyhurst is a smallish Catholic University located in Erie, Pa. (hence the nickname, Lakers) that has just had all its sports join D-1 (save men's hockey which already was). The women's hoopsters are kicking off this new existence with a two-game road trip against ND and DePaul against what will be at least semi-friendly Big sisters. (For instance, Angie Potthoff, the Irish Director of Operations, gave the entire Mercyhurst team and staff a tour of the ND campus.)

- That said, no Mercyhurst players is listed over 5'11". Even with Maddy Westbeld, Kylee Watson and Liza Karlen not playing, the size discrepancy was noticeable. The Lakers were very nervous in the first half, but played better in the second.

- Regardless of whether she was playing against Mercyhurst or the Irish guys practice team, Olivia Miles looked like, well, Olivia Miles; with the patented one hand layups (lefty and righty), out-of-nowhere passes and -- one of her strongest traits -- stellar rebounding, which automatically leads to fast breaks. All her 10 rebounds were defensive.

- Hannah Hidalgo had the quietest 19 points she'll ever have. Little loose with the ball (five TO's) but also had 6 steals.

- Liatu King was just too fast, too strong for this team, shooting 11-13 and grabbing 11 rebounds. She knows to go to open spots on the beak and Miles will find her. She's stronger than I remember.

- Kate Koval shot 9-11 against smaller competition, but -- hey -- she hit the layup opportunities she was given and her footwork was solid. Also had 7 rebounds, 5 blocks and 3 assists.

- Irish need to clean up the turnovers: 5 each by Koval and Hidalgo.

- Emma Risch, another Irish who was out most of last year, had her first game since last November and looked rusty, particularly shooting because...

- Sonia Citron is still out with an ankle injury. Ivey, in her post-game remarks, said Citron will be back soon, which could be anything in Irish-speak. Liza Karlen is expected out a few weeks. Stay tuned for both.

- That said, the Irish play next on Sunday night at Purdue and I wouldn't be surprised to see Citron play at this game.

WBB2425 GM01 MRCY

...

fightingirish.com

 

[oldhusky]

Raven and Paopao worked well for us last year and I thing Miles and Hidalgo will work out just as well for y'all.

And Uconn made it to the Final four with a depleted roster often playing three point guards at the same time. The key is one of them has to at least have combo guard or shooting guard skills as well, and it has to work on the defensive end as well.

Miles is more pure point and the presumptive PG when both are in. Hidalgo is clearly the better scorer. I think it can work defensively as well, with those two switching positions on that end of the floor. Miles has enough size to guard the 2's, and Hidalgo of course has great quickness to guard small guards.

The issue with a small SG is defense not offense. The Aces are an interesting comparison. Kelsey Plum can play the point but is more a small SG, which could be a liability on defense. It works for the Aces because Gray is a big strong PG, and on the defensive end they switch roles.

 

[oldude]

A few points on Notre Dame's 105-61 romp over Mercyhurst in their opener.

- Mercyhurst is a smallish Catholic University located in Erie, Pa. (hence the nickname, Lakers) that has just had all its sports join D-1 (save men's hockey which already was). The women's hoopsters are kicking off this new existence with a two-game road trip against ND and DePaul against what will be at least semi-friendly Big sisters. (For instance, Angie Potthoff, the Irish Director of Operations, gave the entire Mercyhurst team and staff a tour of the ND campus.)

- That said, no Mercyhurst players is listed over 5'11". Even with Maddy Westbeld, Kylee Watson and Liza Karlen not playing, the size discrepancy was noticeable. The Lakers were very nervous in the first half, but played better in the second.

- Regardless of whether she was playing against Mercyhurst or the Irish guys practice team, Olivia Miles looked like, well, Olivia Miles; with the patented one hand layups (lefty and righty), out-of-nowhere passes and -- one of her strongest traits -- stellar rebounding, which automatically leads to fast breaks. All her 10 rebounds were defensive.

- Hannah Hidalgo had the quietest 19 points she'll ever have. Little loose with the ball (five TO's) but also had 6 steals.

- Liatu King was just too fast, too strong for this team, shooting 11-13 and grabbing 11 rebounds. She knows to go to open spots on the beak and Miles will find her. She's stronger than I remember.

- Kate Koval shot 9-11 against smaller competition, but -- hey -- she hit the layup opportunities she was given and her footwork was solid. Also had 7 rebounds, 5 blocks and 3 assists.

- Irish need to clean up the turnovers: 5 each by Koval and Hidalgo.

- Emma Risch, another Irish who was out most of last year, had her first game since last November and looked rusty, particularly shooting because...

- Sonia Citron is still out with an ankle injury. Ivey, in her post-game remarks, said Citron will be back soon, which could be anything in Irish-speak. Liza Karlen is expected out a few weeks. Stay tuned for both.

- That said, the Irish play next on Sunday night at Purdue and I wouldn't be surprised to see Citron play at this game.

WBB2425 GM01 MRCY

...

fightingirish.com

Dillon, I hope that ND and UConn are not competing with each other this season for the most players on the bench in street clothes. In our preseason game on Sunday, the Huskies had 6 players out, including: Fudd, Ducharme, KK, Patterson, Griffin & Cheli. All are expected back at some point. But it feels like the team is playing with one hand tied behind its back.

Subsequently, I checked out the Irish box score for the game vs Mercyhurst, and it was immediately apparent that a bunch of familiar names were missing: Westbeld, Watson, Citron, Karlen & Bransford. I gather that all except Bransford will be back. But that can’t feel good for ND fans either.

Hoping that just about everyone is healthy by December 12.

 

[Dillon77]

Dillon, I hope that ND and UConn are not competing with each other this season for the most players on the bench in street clothes. In our preseason game on Sunday, the Huskies had 6 players out, including: Fudd, Ducharme, KK, Patterson, Griffin & Cheli. All are expected back at some point. But it feels like the team is playing with one hand tied behind its back.

Subsequently, I checked out the Irish box score for the game vs Mercyhurst, and it was immediately apparent that a bunch of familiar names were missing: Westbeld, Watson, Citron, Karlen & Bransford. I gather that all except Bransford will be back. But that can’t feel good for ND fans either.

Hoping that just about everyone is healthy by December 12.

Debbie Antonelli joked that those five-- as a starting unit -- would probably be ranked!

I doubt Watson will be back this season, because she covered the curse of Notre Dame hoopsters --- late-season ACLs (see Turner, Brianna and Miles, Olivia).

However, I'm sure hoping that Citron is back for the UConn game. Karlen is probably a coin toss and the hope is that Westbeld gets back for the ACC part of the season. Soni vs. Paige is always great to watch.

 

[cancontent]

Debbie Antonelli joked that those five-- as a starting unit -- would probably be ranked!

I doubt Watson will be back this season, because she covered the curse of Notre Dame hoopsters --- late-season ACLs (see Turner, Brianna and Miles, Olivia).

However, I'm sure hoping that Citron is back for the UConn game. Karlen is probably a coin toss and the hope is that Westbeld gets back for the ACC part of the season. Soni vs. Paige is always great to watch.

*cough, Achonwa

 

[oldude]

Debbie Antonelli joked that those five-- as a starting unit -- would probably be ranked!

I doubt Watson will be back this season, because she covered the curse of Notre Dame hoopsters --- late-season ACLs (see Turner, Brianna and Miles, Olivia).

However, I'm sure hoping that Citron is back for the UConn game. Karlen is probably a coin toss and the hope is that Westbeld gets back for the ACC part of the season. Soni vs. Paige is always great to watch.

Honestly, that really sucks. I know everyone has to deal with injuries. But ND & UConn both appear to be snake bitten.

 

[Frankus]

I know Mercyhurst was small, but I was impressed with Koval's fundamentals. She has a nice touch for a big and didn't seem slow. Let's hope she can stay fundamentally strong against players her same height.

OM looked totally healthy. Her court vision is awesome. I suspect King-who is the athletic player we needed- and Citron will benefit the most and HH will do her thing with and without OM's help.

I still don't see Prosper as a long range shooter even as she hoisted a few, but thought her inside game was improved.

Rish was disappointing missing lots of wide open uncontested shots. Hope it was just a very off night. She also doesn't have Citron's athleticism. If she can't hit those kind of shots going forward in the exhibition season she's not going to get a lot of playing time.

Very excited about our depth!

 

[Alydar]

All of my limited mental images of Hidalgo include the ball, either in her hands or being taken from the opponent who has it. How is she doing at playing off the ball on offense?

 

[cancontent]

All of my limited mental images of Hidalgo include the ball, either in her hands or being taken from the opponent who has it. How is she doing at playing off the ball on offense?

She had 14 shot attempts yesterday to Miles' 12 attempts. Think she'll do just fine. Not to mention there will be times when they're not on the court at the same time like we saw yesterday.

I think people are overthinking the playing time with Miles returning this season. ND has done it before with guards like Ogunbiwale, Lloyd and Mabrey on the same roster. They'll make it work with the Hildalgo, Miles and Citron, when she's back on the court.

 

[Dillon77]

*cough, Achonwa

I'm only adding a "dislike" because that's yet another. One of the Irish's best teams was wracked by an NCAA Injury, much like the one to Bri Turner.

Let's hope Maddy Westbeld and Sonia Citron heal up early this time. Liz Karlen, too.

 

[cancontent]

I'm only adding a "dislike" because that's yet another. One of the Irish's best teams was wracked by an NCAA Injury, much like the one to Bri Turner.

Let's hope Maddy Westbeld and Sonia Citron heal up early this time. Liz Karlen, too.

Expected the dislike. That ND squad was something else though. Was gutted for Achonwa.

 

[DallasDomer]

*cough, Achonwa

Ouch! That recollection is painful.

 

[DallasDomer]

Honestly, that really sucks. I know everyone has to deal with injuries. But ND & UConn both appear to be snake bitten.

It seems so but Uconn has a bigger roster than ND. It hurts both teams but I wish ND would expand their roster a few.

 

[Bone Dog]

I doubt Watson will be back this season, because she covered the curse of Notre Dame hoopsters --- late-season ACLs (see Turner, Brianna and Miles, Olivia).

However, I'm sure hoping that Citron is back for the UConn game. Karlen is probably a coin toss and the hope is that Westbeld gets back for the ACC part of the season. Soni vs. Paige is always great to watch.

I’m sorry to hear another injury report. Healthy, this looks like one of the best rosters in D1. May they all heal quickly.

I was impressed with Koval's fundamentals. She has a nice touch for a big and didn't seem slow.

I was impressed too, though not by her speed. Koval is a touch lumbering. But her skills and her court sense seem excellent. There’s an economy in her movement that makes up for a lot. Plus, she seems to have excellent shot blocking technique and good low post scoring moves. She is one of the few freshmen anywhere who already looks D1 ready. I expect a great season from her.

 

[Dillon77]

ND Breaks Out Early at Purdue; Tops Century Mark Against Boilermakers, 102-58

Hannah Hidalgo and Liatu King affected the game both defensively and offensively in the first quarter and half. Hidalgo ended up with 28 points (on 10-20 shooting), 7 rebounds and 6 steals. King, the transfer from Pittsburgh, had 18 points (9-12 shooting), 15 rebounds and 4 steals.

Olivia Miles finished with 17 points, including a buzzer-beater three from beyond halfcourt; and Sonia Citron -- back in the lineup for the first time all season -- finished with 14 points (4-7 shooting from the field, 4-4 from the line) in 24 select minutes for Coach Niele Ivey.
Frosh Kate Koval stayed in the starting lineup and led the Irish with 4 assists and 4 blocks, while grabbing 10 rebounds.
Emma Risch shot 4-8 off the bench, while Cass Prosper went back to the bench, but still played 26 minutes.

ND has James Madison coming to South Bend this Thursday.

 

[Blueballer]

ND looks great but I wish Hidalgo could hit a shot without screaming and carrying on like she just won the NC.

 

[Dillon77]

ND looks great but I wish Hidalgo could hit a shot without screaming and carrying on like she just won the NC.

Point taken. I've seen her play in person twice. She is genuinely "into it" and enjoys everything about the games, from scoring to pilfering the ball 6 times (that counted).

BTW, I was also brought up by father (Good Veterans Day to you, Dad) and coaches to "act like you've been there," but as an older, lumbering rec player now, I'll let out some "woo hoo's," for good plays, whether mine or others.

The other thing about Hidalgo's effervescence and energy: she revs up the rest of the team. I've seen Olivia Miles smile more in the two games with Hidalgo than she did in two years prior to that.

Knock on wood, I'm seeing the Irish (and Hidalgo for a third time) at Lafayette next Sunday. Will keep your comments in mind when I watch.

 

[cancontent]

LOL

 

[DallasDomer]

ND looks great, but I wish Hidalgo could hit a shot without screaming and carrying on like she just won the NCAA championship.

If I were on the opposing team, I would either be offended or think she's immature. If I were on her team, I would be motivated by her antics or write it off as her being herself. I can't tell if she's genuinely that excited about every thing she does or if she's trying to pump up her team.

Either way, it probably helps her team more than it hurts, and if that's just how she is, I doubt we'll ever see her any other way. It has been successful for her to date, so I can't see her changing. If she bothers you, my only suggestion is don't watch her.

 

[Willowglen]

It is a demonstration of campus life and activities that they can look forward to. A Notre Dame football game with all the activity, people, fan support definitely makes an impression on a recruit. The Grotto, the march to the stadium, the food stalls on the quad, and the crowd itself.

You are vastly under selling the event Dillon. The recruit sees all those 60,000 people as potential supporters of the basketball team. A major college football weekend has to be seen to be believed Grew1992 if you have the chance to experience one I recommend it.

Yes it will definitely sway them. Or if they hate crowds and noise it might make them decide otherwise but I doubt that for a Div 1 athlete.

I am a Chicago native. It was not even close. A 2 1/2 hour drive to South Bend for a game was much more desirable than seeing the Bears or any other team.

 

[Dillon77]

Olivia Miles Had a Heckuva First Week Back ....