Notre Dame‘s Olivia Miles Undecided on WNBA Draft Entry After Sweet 16 Loss
March 29, 2025
Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles, projected as a high WNBA draft pick, remains uncertain about her decision to enter the upcoming draft following the Fighting Irish’s Sweet 16 defeat to TCU. Miles, who has one year of college eligibility remaining, cited both the allure of the WNBA and the comfort of college as factors in her ongoing deliberation.
Miles Weighs WNBA Prospects Against college Comfort
Speaking after the game, Miles acknowledged the difficulty of her decision. “I am still thinking about what I want to do, but leaning towards the draft,” she said. “But tomorrow, I might wake up and be like, ‘I want to come back.’ So, 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 also noted the volatility of the WNBA as a concern.
Ankle Injury Adds Complexity to WNBA Draft Decision
In the 71-62 loss, Miles contributed 10 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds in 23 minutes of play. She admitted that the ankle injury sustained earlier in the NCAA tournament impacted her performance, stating, “My ankle hurts a lot, but I had to push through. Got to play with my girls. Got to finish up this season.” This injury adds another layer to her decision, as she considers the potential benefits of rest and recovery during the summer.
High Draft Projection a Notable Factor for Miles
Miles is eligible for the WNBA draft due to her four years in college and her age of 22. She has an additional year of eligibility due to sitting out the 2023-24 season with a knee injury. This season, she started all 34 games, averaging 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds. Projected as a potential lottery pick, possibly second overall to Paige Bueckers, Miles recognizes the value of her draft position. “[Potentially being] a lottery pick is a lot to give up. I’ve worked hard for that,” Miles said.
Decision timeline Looms for Notre dame Star
WNBA draft hopefuls must renounce their remaining college eligibility 10 days before the draft, scheduled for april 14. However, players on teams reaching the Final Four have a 48-hour window after their final game to declare their intentions. Miles indicated she will consult with others before making her final decision: “I need to make a few calls and talk to some people. But I’ll be prepared and confident in the decision.”
What factors beyond her draft projection are making Olivia Miles’s decision especially arduous?
notre Dame’s Olivia Miles Undecided on WNBA Draft Entry After Sweet 16 Loss
March 29, 2025
Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles, projected as a high WNBA draft pick, remains uncertain about her decision to enter the upcoming draft following the Fighting Irish’s Sweet 16 defeat to TCU.Miles, who has one year of college eligibility remaining, cited both the allure of the WNBA and the comfort of college as factors in her ongoing deliberation.
Miles Weighs WNBA Prospects Against college Comfort
Speaking after the game, Miles acknowledged the difficulty of her decision. “I am still thinking about what I want to do, but leaning towards the draft,” she said. “But tomorrow,I might wake up and be like,’I want to come back.’ So, 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 cozy, a place where you have security.” She also noted the volatility of the WNBA as a concern.
Ankle Injury Adds Complexity to WNBA Draft Decision
In the 71-62 loss, Miles contributed 10 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds in 23 minutes of play. She admitted that the ankle injury sustained earlier in the NCAA tournament impacted her performance, stating, “My ankle hurts a lot, but I had to push through. Got to play with my girls. Got to finish up this season.” This injury adds another layer to her decision, as she considers the potential benefits of rest and recovery during the summer.
High Draft Projection a Notable Factor for Miles
Miles is eligible for the WNBA draft due to her four years in college and her age of 22. She has an additional year of eligibility due to sitting out the 2023-24 season with a knee injury.This season, she started all 34 games, averaging 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds. Projected as a potential lottery pick, possibly second overall to Paige Bueckers, Miles recognizes the value of her draft position. “[Possibly being] a lottery pick is a lot to give up. I’ve worked hard for that,” miles said.
Decision timeline Looms for Notre dame Star
WNBA draft hopefuls must renounce their remaining college eligibility 10 days before the draft, scheduled for april 14. However, players on teams reaching the Final Four have a 48-hour window after their final game to declare their intentions. Miles indicated she will consult with others before making her final decision: “I need to make a few calls and talk to some people. But I’ll be prepared and confident in the decision.”
Olivia Miles: WNBA Draft Decision – Q&A
Q: Why is olivia Miles facing a tough decision about the WNBA draft?
A: Miles must weigh the allure of the WNBA against the comfort of college. Factors include a high draft projection, the impact of an ankle injury, and the potential for a more secure environment in college.
Q: What are the key dates and deadlines for the WNBA draft?
A: The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 14th,2025. Players have 10 days before the draft to declare their intentions. Though, players on Final Four teams have a 48-hour window after their final game to decide.
Q: What role did the ankle injury play in her decision-making?
A: the ankle injury sustained during the tournament impacted Miles’ performance and recovery needs. This adds another element to her decision, considering the potential benefits of rest and recovery.
Q: What are Olivia Miles’ stats and accomplishments?
A: During the 2024-2025 season, she started all 34 games, averaging 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds.
Q: What is a “lottery pick,” and why is it important to Miles?
A: A lottery pick is a selection among the first few picks in the draft, usually indicating a player with high potential. Being projected as a lottery pick,Miles recognizes the value of her draft position,which could mean a meaningful financial and career opportunity.
Q: What is the significance of Paige Bueckers in this context?
A: The article mentions Paige Bueckers in proximity to Miles’s projected draft position, illustrating the caliber of players in the draft class and the competitive landscape.
Q: What advice might Olivia miles receive before making her decision?
A: Miles will likely consult with her family, coaches, and agents to make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts: The pressure is on for Olivia Miles.With draft day approaching, her decision will shape her career. Stay tuned to see where this promising player lands!
