Get ready for a thrilling tale of basketball prowess and a player's journey to the top!
The Rise of Olivia Miles: A Career-High Performance
In a highly anticipated rivalry matchup, TCU's star point guard, Olivia Miles, put on an extraordinary display, scoring a career-high 40 points against the formidable Baylor defense. This performance not only solidified her position as a top prospect for the upcoming 2026 WNBA Draft but also sparked a wave of excitement and curiosity among basketball enthusiasts.
But here's where it gets controversial... Miles, a seasoned senior, made a bold move by transferring from Notre Dame, forgoing a potential top-five pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft to pursue one last season of college basketball. A decision that left many scratching their heads, but one that has undoubtedly paid off.
On Thursday, Miles and her No. 17 Horned Frogs upset the equally ranked Baylor team, 83-67. Her 40-point haul, including a career-best 10 three-pointers, came before the fourth quarter even began! Imagine the shock and awe as she single-handedly dominated one of the nation's top defenses.
When asked about this remarkable performance, Miles humbly admitted, "It's definitely top three, for sure." She continued, "Last year, I wouldn't have believed I could score 40. It's a testament to the growth in my confidence and self-belief. What a special win for our team!"
Miles' impressive stats speak for themselves: averaging 19.7 points per game, shooting at a 51% clip, and contributing 6.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists. Her accolades include three Big 12 Player of the Week Awards, a spot on the Wooden Award watch list, and recognition as one of the top point guards in the country for the Nancy Liberman Award.
Her journey began at Notre Dame, where she was a two-time Second-team All-American and a three-time First-team All-ACC selection. Despite the Fighting Irish's dominance in the regular season, they struggled to translate that success into postseason glory.
TCU, under the guidance of Head Coach Mark Campbell, has seen its fair share of challenges. Last season, they made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in over a decade, reaching the Sweet 16 under the leadership of Hailey Van Lith. This year, with Miles leading the charge, they've improved to a 22-4 record (10-3 in conference play).
Coach Campbell couldn't hide his pride after the game, describing it as "an awesome Big 12 game" with a "great environment and crowd." He praised his team's growth and determination, saying, "We've been so close for so long, but we've been saying we're just 1% away from winning these games. The team's hard work and dedication paid off today."
So, what does this mean for Olivia Miles and her future in the WNBA? Will her decision to return to college basketball for one more season be seen as a masterstroke? And how will this impact the upcoming draft? These are the questions on everyone's minds.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Miles' performance will secure her a top draft pick? Or is there another player you have your eye on? Let's discuss in the comments!
