Notre Dame standout Olivia Miles will not enter the 2025 WNBA draft, instead choosing to transfer for her final year of eligibility, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Projected as a top-two pick in recent mock drafts by ESPN’s Michael Voepel, Charania describes Miles’ decision as “unprecedented.”
Olivia Miles to Return to Women’s College Basketball
Miles, who garnered AP All-American second-team honors this season, has been a key player for Notre Dame, starting all 34 games and averaging 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.4 steals. Her impressive performance includes shooting 48.3 percent from the field and an outstanding 40.6 percent from beyond the arc.
The decision comes after Miles battled a significant ankle injury during the NCAA tournament, which visibly affected her play. Despite the injury, she continued to compete, contributing eight points in a win over Michigan and 10 points in a Sweet 16 loss to TCU.
Olivia Miles Reflects on Shocking WNBA Draft Decision
Reflecting on her future after the tournament, Miles expressed the weight of her decision, acknowledging her potential as a lottery pick.
“I’ve worked hard for that,” Miles noted, emphasizing the importance of trusting her judgment. “Either decision would be good for me,” she added, indicating her careful consideration of her career path.
By opting to transfer, Miles aims to further hone her skills in a new environment before potentially entering the WNBA draft the following year. Her move makes her the most sought-after player in the transfer portal and will likely attract significant attention from top collegiate programs eager to add a proven talent to their roster.
As the WNBA teams adjust their draft strategies, the focus now turns to where Miles will choose to play her final collegiate season, a decision that will have a significant impact on her development and future professional prospects.
