At the start of the season, many questioned whether sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles, returning from an ACL injury, could effectively play together. However, their chemistry quickly silenced any doubts. Just months ago, the duo led Notre Dame to a 79-68 victory over then-No. 2 UConn, with Hidalgo posting a double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Miles added 16 points despite an early ankle injury. Even the opposing coach acknowledged their dominance, stating, “I don’t know if there’s a better combination of guards.”
But for Notre Dame, those golden days are now behind them. On Monday, Miles announced to ESPN’s Shams Charania that she would enter the transfer portal instead of declaring for the WNBA draft. “I love college, but I think I’ve outgrown it a little,” she admitted after Notre Dame’s Sweet 16 loss.
While it’s common for players to use their final year of eligibility, entering the portal instead of going pro is unusual. Analysts speculate that a decline in chemistry between Miles and Hidalgo may have influenced her decision. Despite being one of the best backcourts in college basketball and leading Notre Dame to the No. 1 AP ranking for the first time since 2019, something seemed off toward the season’s end.
Notre Dame was labeled “Point Guard U,” and Hidalgo called their pairing “dangerous.” Statistically, they were dominant—Miles led the ACC with 5.8 assists per game and ranked ninth in scoring (16.2 PPG), while Hidalgo averaged 24.2 points and 3.7 steals per game, ranking fourth nationally. Their performances, including a standout game against No. 3 USC, highlighted their potential.
However, Notre Dame’s offensive inconsistency, particularly in high-stakes games, may have signaled to Miles that it was time for a change. In their Sweet 16 loss to TCU, the team shot just 32% from the field, with Hidalgo limited to 15 points on 3-of-19 shooting and Miles adding just 10 points. While Miles made significant improvements this season boosting her three-point shooting from 22.8% to 40.6% it appears she wanted a fresh challenge.
Despite rumors of tension within the team, head coach Niele Ivey expressed nothing but admiration for Miles, emphasizing the strong bonds within the program.
Now, the big question is: where will Miles go? TCU could be an ideal destination. The Horned Frogs, under head coach Mark Campbell, have transformed through the transfer portal, posting a 53-15 record over the past two seasons. While they won both the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles, their Elite Eight loss to Texas exposed weaknesses in offensive consistency. Miles’ playmaking ability could be the missing piece for a team looking to take the next step.
Regardless of where she lands, Miles’ next move is bound to be just as impactful as her time at Notre Dame.
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