Olivia Miles is heading to Minnesota after being drafted second by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2026 WNBA Draft held on April 13 in New York. The TCU standout played a key role in leading her team to its second consecutive Elite Eight appearance.
Why it matters: Miles' selection marks a continuation of TCU's rising profile in women's basketball, following Hailey Van Lith's first-round pick in 2025. Her success could inspire future players from the program.
By being drafted second, Miles joins an elite group of players, reinforcing TCU's reputation as a breeding ground for top talent.
Her performance this past season showcased her skills and highlighted the potential for TCU to compete at higher levels in women's basketball.
This draft pick is a positive sign for the Lynx, who are looking to rebuild and improve their roster.
Driving the news: Miles was a standout at TCU, averaging a career-high 19.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists over 38 games during the 2025-26 season. She set multiple single-season records at TCU, including points (744) and assists (252).
Her near triple-double average during the NCAA tournament, with 19 points, 9.75 rebounds, and 9 assists in four games, demonstrates her all-around game and ability to perform under pressure.
She recorded six triple-doubles during the season, bringing her career total to 12, the third-most in women's college basketball history.
Only Sabrina Ionescu and Caitlin Clark have more career triple-doubles, both of whom were drafted first in their respective years.
State of play: Miles' decision to transfer to TCU after four years at Notre Dame proved beneficial, allowing her to refine her skills and increase her draft stock.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue her basketball career, saying, "It's something I've dreamed of as a kid at this point," emphasizing her excitement about the next step.
In her final year, Miles developed her game significantly, especially in leadership, which was evident during TCU's successful season.
Her coach, Mark Campbell, praised her basketball IQ, stating, "There’s maybe five women on the planet that can do what (Miles) does, men or women," highlighting her unique skill set.
The big picture: The Lynx are looking to rejuvenate their roster after several challenging seasons, making Miles a strategic pick.
With her court vision and ability to score from various positions, Miles adds depth to the Lynx's backcourt.
Her arrival comes at a time when the Lynx are pivoting toward a younger, more dynamic team structure.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how she will mesh with existing players like Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride.
What they're saying: Miles has spoken about her growth during her time at TCU, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in the game.
"This year has paid off for me in ways that I can't even describe in that regard... I found my joy back, my love for the game," Miles said, indicating her renewed passion for basketball.
Her coach noted that her unique talent and basketball vision set her apart from most players, enhancing her value as a top draft pick.
Fans and analysts are optimistic about her potential impact on the Lynx, citing her impressive collegiate performance.
By the numbers: Miles' statistics from the 2025-26 season are remarkable and indicative of her capabilities as a player.
She averaged 19.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, with a shooting percentage of 48.1% from the field.
Her record-setting single-season points and assists at TCU highlight her offensive prowess.
With 12 career triple-doubles, she ranks third in NCAA history, underscoring her versatility on the court.
What's next: As Miles prepares to join the Lynx, the focus will be on her integration into the team and her adaptation to the professional level.
The Lynx will likely prioritize her development during training camp, aiming to maximize her potential as a playmaker.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting her debut performance in the upcoming WNBA season, with expectations high after her collegiate success.
With the draft now concluded, the Lynx can begin strategizing for the upcoming season, utilizing Miles' talents to bolster their chances of returning to playoff contention.