Pressure on TCU Guard Olivia Miles at Coretta Scott King Classic
Playing as the guard for TCU, Olivia Miles feels the weight of expectations, especially during her recent appearance at the Coretta Scott King Classic, which took place just a short drive from her hometown of Summit, New Jersey.
While she didn’t know exactly how many friends and family were present, their support rang loud during the pre-game introductions and as a video of her discussing the event was shown on the jumbotron.
Post-game, both TCU coach Mark Campbell and her teammate Taylor Bigbee emphasized, “We’re going where Liv goes.”
After a close game where No. 12 Ohio State edged out No. 9 TCU with a score of 71-69, Miles took it upon herself to assess the loss critically.
“Loss always hurts, but perhaps there’s a silver lining,” she reflected. “I thought I played well, but it wasn’t sufficient. I need to better involve my teammates. Everything starts and ends with me, so I fully accept the responsibility. I need to improve. I will improve for this team, and we’ll come together.”
Miles recorded an impressive 24 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists—just three assists shy of her 11th career triple-double and fifth of the current season.
Regarded as a fearless leader by her teammates, Miles brings a diverse skill set that they rely on consistently. It’s no wonder that limiting her impact is a main focus in opponent scouting reports.
Miles embraces this responsibility. One of the key reasons she decided to join TCU for her final collegiate year, after spending five years at Notre Dame, was the chance to lead. She is also projected to be a top-three pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.
Campbell, who has mentored numerous elite collegiate point guards, previously worked with notable athletes like Sabrina Ionescu and helped players like Haley Van Lith regain their confidence last season.
He sees echoes of Ionescu’s style in Miles’ game. “These players are just going to impact winning,” Campbell stated.
Miles’s teammates have become accustomed to her precise passing, sharp reflexes, and ability to score from various positions. “It’s undoubtedly a luxury,” Bigbee remarked. “Liv truly drives us, and I’m learning to be in sync with her on the court.”
TCU’s offensive strategy, which heavily employs a pick-and-roll system, fits nicely with Miles’s skill set, creating a dynamic and effective partnership.
Ohio State coach Kevin McGough acknowledged TCU as “the best team I’ve encountered this year regarding ball-screen attacks.” Despite facing a well-prepared defense, Miles continually showcased her elite passing abilities, pushing the limits of their coverage. Nevertheless, Ohio State managed to make the necessary plays for victory.
Miles’s ability forces opponents to make rapid decisions, as she consistently anticipates the game’s flow, staying ahead of the competition.
McGough noted that reviewing TCU’s film reminded him of his own experiences game-planning against Caitlin Clark at Iowa.
Most dangerous when given room to operate, Miles benefits from a team built around her strengths, comprising skilled shooters and capable centers. Campbell has been impressed with how quickly the team, which includes ten new players, has built rapport.
Against this backdrop, opposing guards recognize Miles as the standard setter.
“What she’s doing is unteachable,” remarked Gialoni Cambridge, a guard from Ohio State. “She possesses an exceptional court vision and is an outstanding point guard. Her career achievements are incredible.”
Even though Miles felt disappointed by the game’s outcome, she commended her team for their fighting spirit, especially as TCU battled back when faced with adversity near the end of regulation.
“That’s what we need when March comes around,” Miles said. “There’s an element of luck, sure, but also resilience and the competitiveness to overcome obstacles. We just didn’t have enough of that today.”
