Olivia Miles and the NCAA Tournament Conclusion

In a thrilling yet heart-wrenching conclusion to the NCAA tournament, standout Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles finds herself at a pivotal crossroads in her basketball career. Following the Irish’s 71-62 defeat to TCU in the Sweet 16, Miles, who is currently projected as the No. 2 selection in ESPN’s latest WNBA mock draft by the Seattle Storm, expressed her uncertainty about entering the professional league.

Decision Between College and the WNBA

While the 22-year-old player is eligible for the draft, she also has one remaining season of collegiate eligibility, which complicates her decision. "I am still thinking about what I want to do, but leaning towards the draft," Miles revealed in the locker room post-game. "But tomorrow, I might wake up and be like, 'I want to come back.' It just changes every day."

This indecision is fueled by Miles' strong connection to college basketball and the challenges that accompany a leap to the professional realm. "I love college. I think I've outgrown it a little bit, though, which makes my decision tougher," she admitted, adding that the security of college life is hard to leave behind. "The WNBA … the volatility is up and down. So I don't know. I'm deciding between a bunch of factors."

Draft Submission Deadline and Performance

Players must submit their intentions for the draft 10 days prior to the event, set for April 14 this year. Those teams that reach the Final Four have a brief 48 hours after their final game to declare their plans.

Despite her emotional and physical challenges, including an ongoing ankle injury from the NCAA tournament's first round, Miles did her best to contribute during the loss, scoring 10 points and registering 3 assists and 2 rebounds in 23 minutes on the court. “My ankle hurts a lot,” she confessed. “But I had to push through. Got to play with my girls. Got to finish up this season.”

College Experience and WNBA Prospects

Having spent four seasons in college, her age and experience now make her draft-eligible. The extra year of college eligibility was granted due to a knee injury that sidelined her for the entire 2023-24 season. Remarkably, she bounced back to start all 34 games this season, showing impressive stats with an average of 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Challenges and Future Considerations

The idea of transitioning to the professional level, with the WNBA season kicking off on May 16, poses a daunting challenge for Miles. She recognizes that the summer could offer her an opportunity to rest and recover more thoroughly. However, she is determined that this consideration alone will not dictate her choice.

Lottery Pick Stakes and Future Goals

In addition to Seattle expecting to select her, UConn’s Paige Bueckers is the anticipated first overall pick for the Dallas Wings, with the Washington Mystics holding the Nos. 3 and 4 picks. For Miles, the prospect of being a lottery pick comes with high stakes. "Potentially being a lottery pick is a lot to give up. I've worked hard for that," she acknowledged. "I truly believe I've put myself in a great position for teams to look at me and see my value at that level."

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Decision Ahead

With her future hanging in the balance, Miles is committed to making an informed decision that aligns with her goals and dreams. "I need to make a few calls and talk to some people. But I'll be prepared and confident in the decision," she concluded, showcasing her maturity and understanding of the journey ahead. What will she decide? Only time will tell.