Notre Dame’s resident basketball queen, Arike Ogunbowale, has spoken. And when Arike talks, we listen—especially when she’s predicting record-shattering feats that could send the basketball world into a frenzy. The four-time WNBA All-Star recently made a triumphant return to her old stomping grounds, where she crowned Notre Dame sophomore sensation Hannah Hidalgo with a prophecy that even Nostradamus would envy.
Hidalgo, the new Fighting Irish superstar, has been torching defenses like she’s on a personal mission to melt the net. In Notre Dame‘s statement 79-68 win against UConn, Hidalgo put on a performance that screamed iconic, dropping 29 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists like it was just another Tuesday. And guess who was courtside, soaking up the action with the enthusiasm of a proud big sister? Arike Ogunbowale herself.
Arike’s Bold Claim: Caitlin Clark, Watch Your Back!
After watching Hidalgo dismantle Paige Bueckers & Co., Ogunbowale didn’t just praise the young phenom—she elevated her to legendary status.
“She legendary already,” Ogunbowale declared. “She gonna shatter the record.”
Let that sink in for a second. We’re not talking about your average scoring record; we’re talking about the Goliath of college hoops records—the 3,951 career points set by Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. That’s like saying, “Oh yeah, she’s gonna climb Mount Everest… barefoot.”
Sure, it’s bold. But hey, Ogunbowale isn’t exactly known for shying away from iconic predictions or clutch moments—just ask the 2018 UConn squad she sank with that shot.
Hannah Hidalgo: The Record-Chasing Machine
Hidalgo’s numbers are already absurd. After averaging 22.6 points as a freshman, she’s upped the ante to 25.2 points per game in her sophomore year. That kind of scoring isn’t just elite—it’s downright diabolical for opposing defenses. If she keeps this torrid pace over her college career, Hidalgo could easily put herself in position to rewrite the record books.
Of course, Caitlin Clark didn’t set her mark on a lazy stroll. She left Iowa with an astronomical 3,951 points, a figure that sounds more like a phone number than a scoring record. But Hidalgo has time, swagger, and the support of Notre Dame royalty like Ogunbowale. If anyone’s got the moxie to make it happen, it’s her.
Red Bull and Sisterhood: Arike’s Surprise
Arike’s trip back to Notre Dame wasn’t all about bold proclamations. She also took time to deliver a wholesome moment that could make even the toughest basketball fan say, “Aww.” During a Red Bull interview, Hidalgo found herself reminiscing about the 2018 championship team—a squad she admitted she once cheered against. Cue Ogunbowale, who swooped into the room like a superhero, surprising Hidalgo with Red Bull swag and tough questions.
One of those questions? “Which team would win: your current squad or the 2018 national champions?”
Hidalgo, showing the kind of loyalty you’d expect from a team leader, chose her current squad. Bold move, Hannah. Bold move.
Notre Dame’s Best-Kept Secret: These Years Fly By
Beyond the records and the highlight-reel performances, Ogunbowale delivered some sage advice to Hidalgo and the Fighting Irish after their big win. In true elder-stateswoman fashion, she reminded them to savor these moments because, as she put it, “these are the best memories you literally make in your life.”
Coming from a player who nailed back-to-back buzzer-beaters to clinch a national title, that’s not advice to take lightly. Ogunbowale has been there, done that, and probably has the “I Hit That Shot” T-shirt to prove it.
What’s Next for Hidalgo?
With Notre Dame riding high at 9-2 and Hidalgo putting up video game-like stats, the Fighting Irish look poised for another deep postseason run. And with Ogunbowale as her unofficial hype-woman, Hannah Hidalgo’s trajectory is pointing straight toward basketball immortality.
So, Caitlin Clark, you might want to keep an eye on your record. There’s a sophomore in South Bend with a basketball in her hand and Arike Ogunbowale in her corner, and she’s coming for the crown.
