Olivia Miles' decision for another college season is paying off in many ways for the guard and TCU
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Olivia Miles understands why people thought she was making a dumb decision returning for another college season when she was a projected lottery pick in last year's WNBA draft. “I can't blame them," Miles said. “To leave what I left on the table seemed stupid and seemed like, what is she doing?
” Well, that extra year is paying off in many ways for the playmaking point guard who transferred to TCU from Notre Dame to wrap up her college career. The 5-foot-10 guard is certainly ready to be a pro now. Miles just hopes for a few more games with the Horned Frogs (31-5), who are in their second Sweet 16 in a row after never going that deep in the women’s NCAA Tournament before that.
She is averaging a career-best 19. 4 points a game with six more triple-doubles and will enter the WNBA at the start of a seven-year landmark labor deal that will significantly increase the salary for league players. “That means the new people coming into the league have a good foundation to start off on,” said Miles, who turned 23 in January.
More than money Staying in school wasn't all about the money for Miles, though it was certainly financially beneficial in the era of name, image and likeness deals. Consider that Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, the WNBA's last two No. 1 overall picks, both had base salaries of just over $78,000 last season.
The new CBA will have a minimum salary this year of $270,000 to $300,000, though a high draft pick will likely make more than that. “I knew deep in my heart I needed one more year to be ready physically, mentally, whatever that may have been. This year has paid off for me in ways that I can’t even describe in that regard,” Miles said.
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