Just two days ago, Olivia Miles was still weighing her future. She wasn’t sure whether to enter the WNBA draft or return to Notre Dame for her final season. “I love college; I think I’ve outgrown it,” she said after Notre Dame’s loss to TCU. “That kind of makes my decision tougher to stay.” The 22-year-old guard, projected to be the No. 2 pick in the draft, was in a tough spot. The quick turnaround from college to the WNBA season, which starts May 16, wouldn’t be easy.

But now, she’s made a surprising decision. Instead of entering the draft, Miles will return to college for one more year. This news, confirmed by Shams Charania on 31st March, caught everyone by surprise. Miles has an extra year of eligibility after sitting out last season due to a knee injury and she’s decided to use it.

Miles has been with Notre Dame for four seasons. She started all 34 games this year, averaging 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Her 3-point shooting made a huge jump, rising to 40.6%. Even though Notre Dame’s season ended in the Sweet 16 with a loss to TCU, Miles’ performance still made her a top prospect for the WNBA draft.

“She’s so dangerous,” Hannah Hidalgo said about Olivia Miles’ impact in Notre Dame’s March Madness run. The hard-working guard has always dedicated her skills to setting the tone for her team. “I come in every game saying I’m going to do X, Y and Z for the program. When I start off well, when I control what I can control, I think it really helps our team,” Miles said.

Chicago Sky, as Angel Reese previously revealed, was waiting on an opportunity to land her this season. But the cards were with Seattle Storm with their No.2 pick. An anonymous WNBA general manager said, “She’s the second safest pick in the draft, right behind Paige Bueckers.” Unfortunately for the professional league, the teams will now have to wait for another year. Until then, Dominique Malonga, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen will have them reassessing their picks. 

For Notre Dame, this is a huge loss. Hidalgo and Miles have made one of the lethal backcourt duos this season. Losing her to the portal will sure cost the Fighting Irish. 

What’s next? Olivia Miles’ decision shakes up the WNBA draft. She gets another year to develop as a player. Fans will get more time to watch her in college basketball. But what colors will she adorn? 

Where will Olivia Miles land? 

With one year of eligibility left, schools are lining up for the chance to land one of the most dynamic guards in the game.

Could UConn be her next stop? With Paige Bueckers leaving for the WNBA, the Huskies need a new floor general. Miles, alongside rising stars like Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, could make UConn an instant title favorite. The history, the coaching, the championship pedigree—it’s all there.

Or maybe it’s USC. Miles and JuJu Watkins in the same backcourt? That’s the kind of pairing that changes the landscape of the sport. With Watkins recovering from a torn ACL, Miles could take the reins early and keep the Trojans on track for a deep tournament run.

Then there’s South Carolina. Dawn Staley has built a powerhouse, developing elite guards and sending them straight to the pros. If Miles wants a system that will sharpen every aspect of her game, Columbia might be the place.

Texas could make a strong case, too. The Longhorns just made the Final Four, and their program is on the rise. With their deep pockets in NIL opportunities, they can offer Miles not just a chance to win, but a chance to secure her financial future before she even steps into the WNBA.

Wherever she lands, one thing is certain—Olivia Miles is about to change the game, again.