Olivia Miles chooses college over WNBA draft
- Olivia Miles had a standout season at Notre Dame, averaging 15.4 points per game.
- She faced a tough decision after the NCAA Sweet 16 loss, considering WNBA options.
- Ultimately, she chose to enter the transfer portal for one more college season.
In Birmingham, Alabama, on April 1, 2025, Olivia Miles, a 22-year-old guard for the Notre Dame women's basketball team, announced her decision to enter the transfer portal. This decision comes after a season where she had established herself as a standout player, averaging 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, playing a crucial role in her team's performance. She was initially projected as a lottery pick in the WNBA draft scheduled for April 14. However, following a Sweet 16 loss to TCU in the NCAA Tournament where she faced challenges due to an ankle injury sustained earlier in the season, Miles expressed uncertainty about her future. She stated, "I truly do not know what I want to do," reflecting the pressure and importance of her impending choice. In this context, Miles had also mentioned her love for college basketball, indicating a potential internal conflict about leaving for the professional league. Ultimately, her decision to forgo the WNBA draft and enter the transfer portal allows her to seek another season of college play, aligning with her belief that she has outgrown the collegiate level while still cherishing her college experience. This decision has placed her among a competitive pool of over 1,000 players in the transfer portal, indicating her status as an in-demand player. The evolving landscape of college basketball, especially with athletes able to benefit from name, image, and likeness deals, has also influenced her choice. Miles has two key considerations: the immediate transition to professional play and the prospect of enhancing her skills for another college season. This choice indicates a strategic approach to her career as she weighs her options, recognizing the potential risks and rewards of continuing in a collegiate setting versus pursuing a professional opportunity in the WNBA. Though the timeline is tight, with decisions needing to be made soon ahead of the draft date, Miles remains confident in her ability to make the right choice for her future in basketball.