One of the GOATs, a six-time WNBA All-Star, just made a bold move that’s got basketball fans buzzing. It’s spicy, messy, and leaving college hoops queen Paige Bueckers out in the cold. Who’s the rising star stealing the spotlight? Why this risky play? The stakes are high, and the drama’s just getting started.

In a recent episode of Unapologetically Angel presented by PrizePicks, we’re joined by none other than Skylar Diggins-Smith! Smith highlighted, “She just got it,” and the All-Star gushed about Hannah Hidalgo. “If people came out early, I would say I could see her getting busy.”

“Fearless. She can play both sides of the basketball, cares about both sides of the basketball. That’s not always the case,” she noted. Hidalgo may not be draft-eligible yet, but the hype is certainly real!

The WNBA draft may be months away, but the buzz is already electric. Smith has dropped some serious hints about where her loyalty lies—and it’s not with Paige Bueckers. While the UConn star has long been hailed as one of the best players in college hoops, Diggins Smith seems to be Team Hidalgo, the fearless phenom making waves at Notre Dame.

Talking about Notre Dame’s trio of draft prospects, the 34-year-old confidently stated, “I’m excited about all three of them. I think they could potentially be on somebody’s roster this year. I see them as pros.” From Olivia Miles’ playmaking brilliance to Sonia Citron’s or “Steady Betty,” as Diggins-Smith dubs her, dependable defense and Maddy Westbeld’s steady contributions, Skylar Diggins-Smith isn’t holding back on her admiration for Notre Dame’s “dogs.”

Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers, long seen as the face of college basketball, found herself left out of the narrative. The Smith’s focus on Notre Dame’s talent—paired with the growing parity in women’s basketball—suggests a new era is unfolding. “College basketball has been insane. The parity, I’ve been loving to see,” the Notre Dame alum remarked, highlighting how the game is evolving to spotlight a broader pool of talent.

Yet, amidst the praise for the Fighting Irish squad and a call for more inclusive storytelling, the dawn Staley Award recipient took a subtle swipe at the sport’s culture of sensationalism. “Less urges of wanting to be chosen, wanting to be messy, wanting to just get views, clicks, and likes,” she urged, adding that true stories and behind-the-scenes glimpses could elevate the sport further.

As the WNBA draft approaches, Skylar’s bold endorsement is sure to stir conversation. Is Paige Bueckers still the frontrunner, or is the future of the league heading in a new direction? With the rise of talents like Hannah Hidalgo, Olivia Miles, and others, the answer may surprise everyone.

Bets on rising stars, sidelines Paige Bueckers

Skylar Diggins-Smith also highlighted the importance of storytelling in shaping the sport’s future, lamenting the toxicity of social media at times: “The great thing about social media is that it gives everybody a voice. The bad thing about social media is that it gives everybody a voice.”

She noted how the negativity on social platforms can take away from authentic narratives and meaningful conversations about athletes’ journeys. The All-Star’s comments signal a shift in the conversation around women’s basketball, one that champions diversity, creativity, and investment in the sport.

As for the noise around draft-day drama, Skylar took a no-nonsense approach: “That one comment ain’t doing nothing for what you got going on. It might touch a nerve, but I don’t really care about those comments… If you’re going to take the time to get to know me as Sky, then I care what you think.”

With her eyes set firmly on the future of women’s basketball, the 2x mom is unapologetic about betting on new talent—and leaving some familiar faces behind. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the game is evolving, and the stakes have never been higher.