Olivia Miles Faces WNBA Culture Shock with Lynx

Defensive-minded Minnesota could be exactly what the dynamic scorer needs to reach her full potential.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:41pm

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Olivia Miles is a dynamic scorer and phenomenal passer, but her biggest weakness lies on the defensive end. While her defensive shortcomings weren't much of a problem at TCU, that should change quickly when she makes it to the WNBA, especially if she is drafted second overall by the Minnesota Lynx. Going from TCU to a defensive-minded Cheryl Reeve system would be a 'real cultural shock,' but that may be just what Miles needs to improve as a defender and reach her full potential at the next level.

Why it matters

Fans like players who can put on a show, and Olivia Miles has done that regularly throughout her college career. With her ability to pass and score, she has the makings of one of the WNBA's next young stars. However, her defensive struggles could hold her back, so the challenge of joining a defensive-focused team like the Lynx could be exactly what she needs to become a more well-rounded player.

The details

Miles is a dynamic scorer, especially now that her 3-point shot is more reliable, and a phenomenal passer. However, she is not a great defender and didn't seem very invested on that side of the floor this season. This wasn't much of a problem at TCU because she was such a big part of the team's offense that she had to be on the court, even if she wasn't locked in on defense. That should change quickly when she makes it to the WNBA, especially if she is drafted by the Minnesota Lynx, a team known for its defensive-minded approach under head coach Cheryl Reeve.

  • Olivia Miles is expected to be drafted in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

The players

Olivia Miles

A dynamic scorer and phenomenal passer who struggled on the defensive end during her college career at TCU.

Cheryl Reeve

The head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, known for her defensive-minded approach and the team's strong defensive ratings.

Napheesa Collier

The face of the franchise for the Minnesota Lynx, and a former Defensive Player of the Year winner.

Alanna Smith

A Minnesota Lynx player who was the last Defensive Player of the Year winner, sharing the honor with A'ja Wilson.

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What they’re saying

“Going from TCU to a defensive-minded Cheryl Reeve system would be a 'real cultural shock'”

— Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic

What’s next

Olivia Miles will likely be selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft, with the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm being potential landing spots for the dynamic scorer.

The takeaway

Olivia Miles' defensive struggles in college could be addressed by joining a defensive-minded team like the Minnesota Lynx, which could help her reach her full potential as one of the WNBA's next young stars. The culture shock of transitioning to a Cheryl Reeve-led system may be exactly what Miles needs to improve her all-around game.