Notre Dame star Olivia Miles has made a surprising decision that has sent shockwaves through the women’s college basketball world. Instead of declaring for the WNBA Draft, as many expected, the standout point guard has entered the NCAA transfer portal, signaling her departure from the Fighting Irish.
Miles, a junior, has been a key player for Notre Dame since arriving in South Bend. Her elite passing ability, court vision, and scoring skills have made her one of the top guards in the country. Many analysts believed she was destined for the professional ranks this year, but instead, she will explore options at another collegiate program.
A Shocking Move
The decision comes as a surprise, considering Miles had been a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s recent success. She led the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and was often the focal point of their offense. Given her talent and experience, it was widely assumed she would make the leap to the WNBA. However, by entering the transfer portal, Miles is keeping her college eligibility intact while seeking a new home.
For Notre Dame, this is a major loss. The program was hoping to build around Miles for another run at the championship, but now head coach Niele Ivey will have to adjust her plans moving forward.
Why Not the WNBA?
The decision to forgo the WNBA Draft raises questions. Miles is considered one of the best point guards in college basketball, and she likely would have been a high draft pick. However, there are a few factors that may have influenced her choice.
- Injury Concerns – Miles suffered a knee injury in the 2023 ACC Tournament, which sidelined her for Notre Dame’s NCAA Tournament run. While she returned to play this season, concerns about her long-term health might have played a role in her decision.
- NIL Opportunities – With the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, college athletes can now earn significant money while staying in school. If Miles has strong endorsement deals, she may see more financial upside in playing another year of college basketball rather than heading to the WNBA, where rookie contracts are relatively low compared to other professional sports.
- Finding the Right Fit – It’s possible that Miles is looking for a fresh start with a different team. Whether it’s a new system, a new coach, or a program that better suits her playing style, transferring gives her the chance to find a better fit before making the jump to the pros.
What’s Next for Miles?
With her name now in the transfer portal, Miles will be one of the most sought-after players in women’s college basketball. Several top programs will likely pursue her, hoping to add an elite playmaker to their roster.
Potential landing spots could include:
- South Carolina – Head coach Dawn Staley has built a powerhouse program and could be an attractive option for Miles.
- LSU – The reigning national champions under Kim Mulkey could use a player of Miles’ caliber to bolster their backcourt.
- Stanford – A strong academic and athletic program that could provide a good fit both on and off the court.
Wherever she ends up, Miles will undoubtedly be a game-changer for her new team.
How Does This Impact Notre Dame?
Notre Dame now faces a major challenge. Replacing a player of Miles’ caliber is no easy task. The Fighting Irish have a strong recruiting pipeline, but losing their star point guard puts them in a difficult position heading into next season.
Head coach Niele Ivey will need to adjust her strategy, possibly looking to the transfer portal herself to find a replacement. The team will also rely more on other key players to step up in Miles’ absence.
Final Thoughts
Olivia Miles’ decision to enter the transfer portal instead of declaring for the WNBA Draft is one of the most unexpected moves of the offseason. While fans were excited about the prospect of seeing her in the WNBA, she has chosen to take a different path. The next few weeks will be crucial as she weighs her options and decides where she will continue her college career.
No matter where she lands, one thing is certain—Olivia Miles will continue to be one of the most exciting players to watch in women’s basketball.
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