Olivia Miles is likely going to leave Notre Dame women's basketball this offseason, but not for the reasons most fans expected. Miles, who was expected by many to be selected second overall in the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft, has reportedly decided to remain in college for another season, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. However, she will enter the transfer portal.
Olivia Miles entering transfer portal instead of WNBA Draft
Following Notre Dame's defeat in the NCAA Tournament, Miles revealed that she was still undecided about her basketball future. That clearly changed on Monday, as Miles decided to utilize her final season of college eligibility.
Paige Bueckers, who is entering the draft, is expected to be selected first overall. It remains to be seen who the favorite to be selected second overall will be with Miles staying at the college basketball level.
Miles, 22, will instantly draw no shortage of attention from programs around the country. She is one of the best players in college basketball and will be a candidate to be selected first overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
In the 2024-25 season, Miles averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per outing. She also shot 48.3 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from beyond the arc. Miles was efficient throughout the campaign. She is extremely reliable to say the least.
Olivia Miles features the potential of a player who can lead a team to a championship. She will surely have interest in joining a serious championship contender in the transfer portal. With Hannah Hidalgo on the roster, the Notre Dame women's basketball team features a championship ceiling. However, Miles is clearly looking for a change.
With that said, she could return to Notre Dame, but that seems to be unlikely. Anything can happen, though.
Miles' decision is extremely impactful
Miles' decision is huge. Not only does it impact the entire women's college basketball landscape, but it will certainly impact the WNBA Draft. One has to wonder which player will be selected after Bueckers now.
Kiki Iriafen, Dominique Malonga and Sonia Citron are all candidates. Perhaps a surprise player will emerge as a No. 2 overall selection option. It remains to be seen what will ultimately occur, but Olivia Miles' decision adds an element of uncertainty to the draft.
Many WNBA teams will scramble to update their draft boards. Meanwhile, the top women's college basketball teams are surely preparing to pursue Miles in the transfer portal.