Five years back, my buddy Orlando reached out, hoping I could facilitate a meeting with Dawn Staley for his daughter, Hannah then a high school freshman. She was a promising player with dreams of meeting Staley joining South Carolina’s roster. Knowing Orlando’s keen eye for talent, especially with his talented sons, I understood the significance of his request. I recalled meeting Hannah a couple of years prior at Life Center Academy, a young, dynamic player on the court, dribbling with restless energy along the sidelines during a boy’s game.
It was a moment etched in my memory, thanks to NBA agent Stephen Pina, who had pulled me aside and insisted, “Del, she’s the one.” His conviction about her talent in middle school left a lasting impression. So when Orlando called, seeking that connection with Staley, I knew I had to make it happen.
The phone call was fantastic; Staley’s support and encouragement left Hannah absolutely captivated by her idol. Hannah went on to become, perhaps, the best PG prospect in the class of 2023. Staley would win another National championship. However, Notre Dame would ultimately land the uber-talented Hidalgo.
Then came the surreal moment today when I tuned in to watch high school All-American and McDonald’s All-American game MVP, Hannah, face off against my homie in her first college game in Paris, France five years after I connected them.
In the first quarter, Hannah burst out, racking up a quick 13 points, and by halftime, she had 17. But, as we’ve come to expect over the past decade, Staley and the Gamecocks were dominating, leading by 15 midway through the game.
You simply can’t make up a story like this. It’s as good as it gets. Hannah Hidalgo reminds me of another little point guard from the Raymond Rosen projects in “Norf” Philly that took college basketball by storm over thirty years ago.
The Black Cager 