Will Olivia Miles Go 1st Over Paige Bueckers?
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A Look at the Rising Stars
Women’s college basketball is brimming with talent, and two names are potential number-one picks in the upcoming 2025 WNBA Draft: Olivia Miles and Paige Bueckers. Fans, analysts, and basketball enthusiasts all want to know.
Could Olivia Miles go first overall above the front running Paige Bueckers as the 1st pick? Let’s look into the comparison between these two stars and break down what makes them such special players.
Olivia Miles: The Freshman Phenomenon
Olivia Miles burst onto the scene as a freshman at Notre Dame, showcasing an incredible mix of playmaking ability, scoring, and leadership. Standing at 5'10", Miles plays with a vision beyond her years. Her basketball IQ, combined with her quick decision-making, makes her a dynamic point guard. She is well Known for her elite passing and ability to create opportunities for her teammates, she often makes the game look effortless, even under pressure.
On December 29, 2024 Notre Dame senior guard Olivia Miles became the first major conference player to record consecutive triple-doubles since former Iowa Hawkeyes icon Caitlin Clark when Miles scored 11 points, earned 14 assists, and snagged 10 rebounds against Virginia*.
Miles will have a chance to surpass Caitlin Clark's consecutive triple-double streak on January 5, 2025 when the Irish take on the No. 17 ranked UNC Tarheels on the road.
Her fantastic game knowledge and ability have placed her atop the all-time leader chart for triple-doubles in the program’s basketball history. Not just that, it marked her as the first player—man or woman—in the program’s 128-year existence to achieve this record. Which only seems to make a better case for a few who have voiced Miles to be a worthy contender for the no.1 pick*.
Bueckers, on the other hand, who is all but confirmed to be the Dallas Wings’ first pick next spring as every other mock draft project, has fallen short in the regard. She has come close to a double-double twice, but more evades her. Nonetheless, overtaking the No. 1 draft pick spot won’t be as easy as it may seem.
Miles has shown an ability to take over games, with impressive performances in both scoring and assists. Her impact on Notre Dame basketball has been undeniable, with the team’s success being a big result of her stellar performances. Her all-around game and ability to control the tempo of the game have many speculating that she could be a potential first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Paige Bueckers: A Proven Superstar
Paige Bueckers is synonymous with excellence in women’s college basketball. A star at the University of Connecticut, or as most of us would call it UConn. Bueckers took the NCAA by storm as a freshman, winning numerous Player of the Year awards. Standing at 5'11", Bueckers is a very versatile guard who can score from pretty much anywhere on the floor. Her shooting, ball-handling, and overall ability to make clutch shots have earned her the well earned reputation of a “go-to player” in big moments.
Bueckers’ consistency on both ends of the court has made her a household name. Even with injury setbacks, her talent and leadership qualities make her an incredibly valuable asset for any team. As a proven commodity, her accolades and success at UConn make her an almost automatic choice for the number-one pick — at least on paper.
A Comparison: Potential vs. Proven Talent
Can Olivia Miles surpass Paige Bueckers to become the top pick? It all comes down to what teams value most in their draft selection for the 2025 WNBA season.
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Upside and Potential: Miles’ game has an element of rawness that could be honed at the professional level. Her versatility and potential as a floor general are incredibly enticing, and her ceiling as a future star in the WNBA could be higher than even Bueckers’. Teams that need a player who can elevate their teammates and create offense could see Miles as the player with more room to grow.
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Proven Success: Bueckers, on the other hand, has already proven herself at the highest level of college basketball. Her success in the NCAA Tournament and numerous awards make her a safe, high-floor selection. Teams that prioritize immediate impact and leadership might lean towards the stability and reliability Bueckers offers.
Factors That Could Influence their Decision
- Team Needs: The decision between Miles and Bueckers could depend on the Dallas Wings and what they need. The Wings are a team looking for an established star who can step in right away, so they might choose Bueckers, while a team in need of a point guard and a player with more upside could take Miles.
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Injuries and Health: Both players have had injury concerns. Miles with past knee issues and Bueckers with a somewhat recent major injury, an ACL tear in 2023. She has recovered and has been performing well. Teams will need to consider how those factors could affect each players' futures.
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Developing Potential: While Bueckers has already demonstrated her elite skills, Miles’ development under the right coaching could lead to her being an even more dominant player down the road. Each player has the ability to be the rookie of the year in 2025.
A Bright Future for Both
While it’s impossible to say for sure if Olivia Miles will go first over Paige Bueckers, we believe she has a decent chance. Given her very recent record breaking performances. Both players are incredibly talented and have the potential to be franchise players as rookies in the WNBA. Whether it’s Miles’ potential to grow into a superstar or Bueckers’ proven excellence, both players are bound for great things.
One thing is very clear, these two rising stars will dominate the future of women’s basketball for years to come. Keep an eye on both of them, we are sure the 2025 WNBA draft will be an exciting event.
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