Olivia Miles’ Surprising Decision: Forgoing the WNBA Draft for a New College Journey
In a move that has sent ripples through the world of women’s college basketball, Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles has decided to forgo the WNBA draft and instead enter the transfer portal. This news, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, has left fans and analysts alike buzzing with speculation and intrigue.
Olivia Miles, who was projected to be the No. 2 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, had previously expressed uncertainty about her future. Many players in her position have chosen to return to college for their final year of eligibility, but what makes Miles’ decision particularly noteworthy is her choice to leave Notre Dame.
Reflecting on her decision, Miles shared, “It just changes every day. I love college. I think I’ve outgrown it a little bit, though, so that makes my decision tougher to stay. It’s comfortable, a place where you have security.” She added, “The W … the volatility is up and down. So I don’t know. I’m deciding between a bunch of factors.”
Miles is eligible for the draft because she has been in college for four seasons and is already 22. Her remaining year of college eligibility is due to sitting out the 2023-24 season with a knee injury she sustained at the end of the 2022-23 regular season.
This past season, the junior guard made a triumphant return, starting all 34 games and averaging a career-high 15.4 points on 48.3% field goal shooting. Her improvement was particularly notable in her 3-point shooting, which jumped from 22.8% last season to an impressive 40.6% this year.
After her final home game in South Bend following the Round of 32, Miles took a moment to thank the fans for their unwavering support, hinting that her time as an Irish might be coming to an end.
The Dynamic Backcourt and Notre Dame’s Season
Miles, along with her talented teammates Hannah Hidalgo and Sonia Citron, formed one of the most formidable backcourts in college basketball this season. Their exceptional play led the Irish to the No. 1 spot in the AP polls for the first time since 2019, following a significant victory over UCLA, handing them their first loss of the season.
However, the season’s end was not as smooth as the beginning. Notre Dame faced challenges, dropping two of their last three regular-season games. Despite being the No. 2 seed in the ACC tournament, they were ousted in the second round, which resulted in a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament.
Hopes were high for a deep tournament run, but the Irish were unexpectedly defeated in the Sweet 16 by a TCU team that had never before reached the Elite Eight.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
After Notre Dame’s 71-62 loss to TCU, Miles admitted that the prospect of joining the WNBA in just a few months was daunting. She mentioned that having an off-season would be beneficial, especially after suffering an ankle injury during the Sweet 16 game. Yet, the opportunity to be a lottery pick was “a lot to give up.”
Ultimately, Miles has chosen to pass on the WNBA draft and seek a fresh start elsewhere. This decision opens up a new chapter in her basketball journey, and fans will be eagerly watching to see where she lands next.
- Olivia Miles: Projected No. 2 WNBA draft pick
- Notre Dame’s backcourt: One of the best in college basketball
- Notre Dame’s season: No. 1 in AP polls, Sweet 16 exit
As the basketball community digests this news, one thing is certain: Olivia Miles’ next move will be closely followed, and her impact on the court, wherever she goes, is sure to be significant.
Originally Written by: Kendra Andrews
