When Olivia Miles, Notre Dame’s star guard, announced that she was forgoing the 2025 WNBA Draft to enter the NCAA transfer portal, many fans thought it was just an April Fool’s joke. After all, Miles was projected to be the No. 2 overall pick, averaging an impressive 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game.
However, when ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed the report, it became clear that this was an honest and unexpected shake-up in the women’s basketball landscape.
Players Benefitting From Olivia Miles’s Decision
While shocking to most, Miles’s decision also created opportunities for other draft prospects to boost their stock. Here are five players who benefited the most from her surprising move.
1. Sonia Citron, Guard, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
No guard can gain more from Miles’s departure than her Notre Dame teammate, Sonia Citron. Despite being among the most underrated players this season, Citron has consistently delivered strong performances.
With Miles no longer in the picture, she is set to take center stage and elevate her draft stock. The 6’1″ guard has already shown her scoring prowess, averaging 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Her ability to create her own shot and facilitate for teammates makes her a desirable prospect for WNBA teams looking for a well-rounded guard.
2. Aneesah Morrow, Forward, LSU Tigers
Morrow has been a dominant force for LSU, and with Miles out of the draft picture, she moves up in the projected rankings. The 6’1″ forward is a versatile scorer and a tenacious rebounder, averaging 18.7 points and 13.5 rebounds per game. With her defensive skills and ability to stretch the floor, Morrow’s stock is rising as teams look for a high-energy forward who can make an immediate impact.
With Miles no longer available in the draft and ESPNS’s Kevin Pelton’s report indicating that the Seattle Storm are showing strong interest in France’s Dominique Malonga, the Washington Mystics (who have multiple draft picks) could shift their focus to Morrow with the No. 3 pick.
Her elite rebounding and defensive versatility make her an appealing choice for a team seeking an instant-impact player in the frontcourt.
3. Kiki Iriafen, Forward, USC Trojans
Iriafen has quietly been one of the most efficient forwards in college basketball. At 6’3″, she combines size, strength, and finesse, averaging 18 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Her ability to dominate in the post, efficiently finish at the rim, and control the boards makes her a highly desirable prospect for WNBA teams looking to bolster their frontcourt.
Her 36-point performance against Mississippi State on March 24 has already made scouts take notice of her rising potential. Given her ability to take over games offensively and provide a strong defensive presence, the Washington Mystics—who hold multiple draft picks—could target Iriafen as a key addition to their roster.
4. Shyanne Sellers, Guard, Maryland Terrapins
Sellers has been one of the most well-rounded guards in the NCAA, averaging 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Without Miles in the mix, she would have become one of the best available playmakers in the draft.
Sellers’s ability to score, distribute, and defend makes her an appealing option for teams looking for a guard who can contribute immediately. She could now be in consideration for a top-10 selection.
5. Te-Hina Paopao, Guard, South Carolina Gamecocks
Paopao is another player who benefits from Miles’s absence, particularly for teams seeking a sharpshooting guard. The South Carolina standout has been one of the country’s best three-point shooters, hitting over 36.1% from beyond the arc, averaging 9.5 points and 2.9 assists per game.
With her ability to space the floor and facilitate, she has become an even more intriguing option for WNBA teams needing a dynamic backcourt presence.
Miles’s shocking decision has altered the draft landscape, creating new opportunities for these five players to climb the board as the WNBA Draft approaches. Expect their names to gain even more traction as teams look for the next big stars in women’s basketball.