Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles has demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, positioning herself as a top prospect for the 2025 WNBA Draft. After suffering a major knee injury in February 2023, Miles made a triumphant return to the court in November 2024. This season, she has been instrumental in leading Notre Dame, averaging 16.5 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from three-point range.
Despite Miles’ impressive performance, UConn’s Paige Bueckers is widely projected as the top pick in the upcoming draft. Bueckers, who returned from an ACL injury that sidelined her during the 2022-2023 season, has showcased exceptional form, surpassing 2,000 career points faster than any player in UConn history. Her consistent excellence has solidified her status as the likely No. 1 selection.
However, recent developments suggest potential shifts in draft dynamics. Rumors indicate that Bueckers may be hesitant to join the Dallas Wings, who hold the first pick, potentially opening the door for other top prospects like Miles. Additionally, Miles’ exceptional play has led some analysts to consider her a strong candidate for the top spot.
In summary, while Bueckers remains the favorite for the No. 1 draft pick, Miles’ outstanding performance and evolving draft circumstances could influence the final decision. As the draft approaches, teams will closely evaluate both players’ skills, potential, and preferences to make their selections.