Introduction to the WNBA Draft
The WNBA draft is a highly anticipated event that shapes the future of women’s basketball. This year’s draft has taken an unexpected turn with the announcement that Notre Dame star Olivia Miles will forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft and enter the transfer portal.
The Surprise Decision
Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles, the projected No. 2 overall pick, will enter the transfer portal and forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday, citing sources.
Miles, 22, will use her final year of college eligibility away from the Fighting Irish, where she spent her four seasons to date.
Impact on the Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm currently own the No. 2 pick after acquiring it from the Los Angeles Sparks in a three-team trade earlier in the WNBA offseason. Seattle needed a new guard for the future after Jewell Loyd departed in the aforementioned trade to the Las Vegas Aces. The 31-year-old Loyd had left Seattle after requesting a trade following an external investigation into reported accusations of harassment and bullying by the Storm’s coaching staff that was later cleared. The Storm will likely have to rethink their draft plans if Miles was to be selected.
Miles’ College Career
Miles just finished her fourth year averaging a career high 15.4 points in 33 minutes per game, also logging 5.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals on a 48/41/79 shooting split. She helped Notre Dame to a No. 3 seed and Sweet 16 finish in the ongoing women’s March Madness. The Fighting Irish fell to No. 2 TCU 71-62 in which Miles recorded 10 points, three assists and two rebounds in 23 minutes.
Partnership and Prospects
Miles formed a robust partnership with sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo, who led the team with 23.8 points per game. Fellow guard/wing Sonia Citron is also a top prospect in this year’s class and could go as high as the top five. The first pick is owned by the Dallas Wings, who will likely select UConn’s Paige Bueckers after the star guard recently confirmed her plans to enter the draft.
Upcoming WNBA Season
The WNBA announced the 2025 season schedule, including an opening weekend matchup between 2024 draft picks Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese and the first game for the newest expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries.
Conclusion
The decision by Olivia Miles to forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft and enter the transfer portal has sent shockwaves through the women’s basketball world. As the WNBA season approaches, fans will be eagerly watching to see how this decision affects the draft and the future of the sport.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Olivia Miles?
A: Olivia Miles is a 22-year-old Notre Dame star who was projected to be the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. - Q: Why did Olivia Miles decide to forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft?
A: Miles decided to forgo the draft to use her final year of college eligibility away from the Fighting Irish. - Q: How will this decision affect the Seattle Storm?
A: The Storm will likely have to rethink their draft plans as they had considered selecting Miles with the No. 2 pick. - Q: What are the implications for the upcoming WNBA season?
A: The decision may impact the team dynamics and player selections for the upcoming season, with the Dallas Wings likely to select UConn’s Paige Bueckers with the first pick.
