In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, Olivia Miles, one of the brightest and most anticipated stars in college basketball, made an announcement that has changed the landscape of the WNBA Draft and the balance of power in women’s college basketball. The young point guard, who had been projected as a top pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, revealed that she will not be entering the draft this year and will instead return to Notre Dame for another season.

This revelation has not only shocked fans and analysts alike but has also upended what was expected to be a relatively predictable draft year, leaving many to reconsider their predictions and shifting the power dynamics within college basketball.

A Shock to the System: Why Olivia Miles’ Decision Matters

Miles, a sensational talent known for her speed, playmaking ability, and leadership on the court, had long been considered one of the most exciting prospects for the 2025 WNBA Draft. After an impressive career at Notre Dame, including a standout freshman season that saw her earn All-American honors, many assumed she would declare for the draft and start her professional career.

However, in a move that no one saw coming, Miles announced that she would be staying in South Bend for another year to continue her development and help lead Notre Dame in what is expected to be a highly competitive season.

“I’ve made the decision to return to Notre Dame for another season,” Miles said in a statement. “There’s unfinished business here, and I believe I can grow even more, both as a player and a person. I’m excited to continue this journey with my teammates and push ourselves toward another championship.”

The Impact on the WNBA Draft

Miles’ decision to stay in college has had an immediate and profound effect on the WNBA Draft, shaking up what was once considered a highly predictable process. Many teams had been eyeing Miles as the top overall pick, with her dynamic playmaking and ability to control the tempo of a game making her one of the most coveted prospects in years. With Miles now out of the draft, teams that were counting on landing her will have to pivot their strategies.

This has created a ripple effect in the draft stock of other players, as the absence of Miles opens the door for other prospects to potentially climb into higher draft spots. Teams in need of a point guard or a floor general may now focus on other candidates, adjusting their scouting and recruiting priorities.

The draft now looks much more uncertain and wide open, with several other stars, including Aaliyah Edwards, Caitlin Clark, and Jewel Spear, potentially benefiting from this unexpected twist.

Rebalancing College Basketball Power

While the immediate focus is on the WNBA Draft, the bigger storyline may lie in how this announcement reshapes college basketball itself. Olivia Miles’ decision to stay at Notre Dame for another season strengthens an already formidable team and gives the Fighting Irish a massive advantage in the hunt for the NCAA Championship.

Notre Dame, a program that has consistently been in the conversation for the top spot in women’s college basketball, now boasts a much more experienced and talented roster. With Miles returning, the team’s chances of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament next season are significantly boosted. The addition of another year of development for one of the nation’s top point guards could be a game-changer in a season where competition is expected to be fierce.

Not only does Miles’ decision impact her team, but it also shifts the balance of power in the broader college basketball landscape. Other top programs, like South Carolina, Stanford, and UConn, now find themselves facing a more experienced Notre Dame squad in their pursuit of national glory.

What This Means for Olivia Miles’ Legacy

While Olivia Miles’ decision to return to Notre Dame may seem unexpected, it underscores her commitment to improving her game and leaving a lasting legacy at the college level. Instead of jumping to the professional ranks, Miles is choosing to continue her journey in a more familiar environment, where she can further develop as a leader and potentially leave a lasting mark on one of the most storied programs in women’s basketball history.

Her return to college gives her the opportunity to refine her skills, increase her basketball IQ, and develop in ways that could make her an even stronger candidate for the WNBA Draft in the future. Whether she enters next year’s draft or the one after, her decision will only add to the intrigue surrounding her career and what her eventual professional future holds.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Olivia Miles and College Basketball?

While the immediate impact of Miles’ announcement is still settling, it’s clear that this decision will have a lasting effect on both the WNBA Draft and the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Notre Dame’s chances of dominating the next college season have certainly been enhanced, and the domino effect this has had on the draft will reverberate through the entire league.

As for Olivia Miles, her choice to remain in college basketball for another season signals her dedication to her craft and her desire to go out on top with Notre Dame. It will be fascinating to see how her game evolves during this final year and what kind of legacy she builds as a college star before ultimately transitioning to the WNBA.

In the meantime, the entire basketball community will be watching to see how this decision impacts the 2025 WNBA Draft and how the women’s college basketball landscape shifts in the coming months. With Miles back in college for another year, the stakes for next season have just been raised to a whole new level.