Following the 2023-24 season, there were serious questions about Hailey Van Lith's basketball future. She was fresh off a disappointing campaign with LSU women's basketball and it remained to be seen what her next chapter would be. Van Lith ultimately made the decision to transfer to TCU women's basketball, a move that has worked out to say the least.
The guard enjoyed a strong season. Now, she is an intriguing WNBA Draft prospect once again. Van Lith can improve her 2025 WNBA Draft position even more in TCU's upcoming game against Notre Dame.
Sure, Notre Dame is a good team. That isn't the only reason why the game, which is scheduled for Saturday, is extremely important for Van Lith's basketball future. Featuring the ability to find success against other star players in the big moments is what sets the great players apart, and Notre Dame happens to have one of the best players in women's college basketball on the roster in Hannah Hidalgo.
Hailey Van Lith vs. Hannah Hidalgo
Hidalgo, 20, has a serious argument for being considered the best player in the league right now. Sure, Paige Bueckers is talented and she will likely be the first pick in the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft, but Hidalgo has been incredible all season long.
Van Lith has the advantage from an experience standpoint. The 23-year-old is currently in her fifth season at the college basketball level.
Additionally, Notre Dame is a No. 3 seed and TCU is a No. 2 seed. This specific argument is not strictly about winning or losing, though. Van Lith enjoyed a great regular season, but she has endured her share of ups and downs so far in the NCAA Tournament despite TCU earning victories in the first two games.
A huge performance from Hailey Van Lith against Hannah Hidalgo would unquestionably catch the attention of WNBA teams. Both players are guards and could go back and forth throughout the contest. It would not be surprising to see both Van Lith and Hidalgo light up the scoreboard.
If Van Lith can play well and lead TCU to a victory, WNBA teams will be especially intrigued. In the end, Van Lith has already done enough this year to earn a spot on a WNBA roster. Her potential WNBA Draft position is fairly uncertain at the moment, though. A few more impressive performances before the end of the NCAA Tournament certainly would not hurt matters.