Breaking News: Miles Chooses Portal Over WNBA Draft – What This Means for Her Future

Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles has decided to skip the WNBA draft and enter the transfer portal, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. This choice is surprising given that Miles was projected to be the No. 2 pick in the draft.

After her team’s Sweet 16 loss, Miles expressed her mixed feelings about leaving college basketball. “I love college, but I feel like I’ve outgrown it a bit,” she said. The decision is tough for her because college offers a familiar environment, while the WNBA presents uncertainties.

At 22, Miles is eligible for the draft after completing four seasons. She has one more year due to a knee injury that sidelined her during the 2023-2024 season. This year, she excelled on the court, averaging 15.4 points with a shooting percentage of 48.3%. Crucially, her three-point shooting improved dramatically from 22.8% last season to 40.6% this season.

Before the Sweet 16 game in South Bend, Miles acknowledged the fans for their support. This seemed to hint that her college journey might be coming to an end. Alongside teammates Hannah Hidalgo and Sonia Citron, she formed one of the most formidable backcourts in college basketball, helping lead Notre Dame to the No. 1 spot in the AP poll for the first time since 2019.

However, the team’s performance faltered towards the season’s end. They lost two of their last three regular-season games, were eliminated in the second round of the ACC tournament, and eventually earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA tournament, where they faced an upset loss to TCU.

After the 71-62 defeat to TCU, Miles reflected on her future in basketball and the possibility of joining the WNBA. The thought of becoming a lottery pick was both exciting and overwhelming. Now, with her transfer, she will seek new opportunities at a different college.

As the landscape of college basketball evolves, this situation aligns with recent trends where players, including stars, are opting to transfer rather than declare for the draft. According to a 2023 NCAA report, nearly 1,000 men’s and women’s basketball players entered the transfer portal last year, signaling a significant cultural shift in how athletes approach their careers.

Miles’ decision could shake up the dynamics for both Notre Dame and any program fortunate enough to sign her. While she weighs her options, it’s clear that her talent and potential are undeniable.

Check out this related article: Olivia Miles, Prodigy from Notre Dame and Top WNBA Prospect, to Enter NCAA Transfer Portal Instead of Declaring for Draft