"Wonder Woman in goggles" monster rookie stirs up WNBA... Opposing ace says, "I thought he was a man playing, but he's really good"

*This content was translated by AI.

A "monster rookie" has appeared in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). With a lush afro and thick goggles, her appearance on the court is instantly eye-catching, but her true talent is even more astonishing. The protagonist is Olivia Miles (23, Minnesota Lynx).

On the 19th (Korean time), The Guardian reported, "No player has brought as much joy in the WNBA during the first month of the season as Miles. She has quickly emerged as one of the league's most captivating talents," adding, "She has already become the engine of her team's offense in just 15 professional games."

Miles, a rookie who joined the Minnesota Lynx as the second overall pick in this year's draft, is already receiving intense attention, being compared to Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), the league's top star and team cornerstone. She is averaging 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists this season.

The Guardian explained, "Minnesota has been leading the league with 12 wins and 3 losses this season, despite their top player, Napheesa Collier, being sidelined by injury since last September. Miles has proven herself to be an irreplaceable asset for the team."

Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, praised Miles highly. Coach Reeve said, "I can't say I knew from the start that she would become one of the top three players in the league. But she is similar to when we got Maya Moore. A perfect superstar, a humble superstar."

Maya Moore is a legend who represented the WNBA and is almost synonymous with the Minnesota Lynx. After being selected first overall in the 2011 draft and joining Minnesota, she won the Rookie of the Year award, the regular-season MVP (2014), and the Finals MVP (2013). She also led Minnesota to WNBA championships four times in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017.

The Guardian reported, "There is no greater compliment than comparing a rookie to a legend who is considered the greatest in the team's history and the best in WNBA history." Minnesota fans have already given Miles the pleasant nickname "The Spectacular."

Opposing players have also acknowledged Miles' talent. Sophie Cunningham, a key player for Indiana, praised her on her podcast, saying, "She leads and plays like a male player. She is really good."

Cunningham continued, "I know there are people who find it strange to praise her because she is a competitor in the league and a player on another team. But I believe she deserves the praise she is receiving. Miles is sending a strong warning to the entire league."

The Guardian also highly evaluated her, stating, "No one knows what kind of play will come from this Wonder Woman named Miles. The thrill she gives fans feels like a drink of alcohol consumed before a double espresso even falls asleep."

Miles stands at 178 cm. Her physical condition is not considered overwhelming on the WNBA stage. However, she is shaking up the entire league by demonstrating incredible skill despite this. The Guardian analyzed, "Watching Miles play on the court reveals how deeply she has studied basketball. Like Magic Johnson, she finds small gaps in transition situations to make passes; like Steve Nash, she controls the tempo in half-court sets and finds her teammates. Her ability to win physical battles against larger opponents and use her body to dribble and finish reminds one of Jalen Brunson."

According to reports, Miles cites Maya Moore and NBA star Luka Doncic (LA Lakers) as her role models. The Guardian noted, "You can feel their influence in Miles' creativity, rhythm, and composure."

Of course, as a rookie, there are still areas for improvement. Sometimes her defensive focus wavers, and there are moments where she loses her composure during games. However, this can be seen as part of the growth process.

The Guardian pointed out, "Minnesota has Coach Reeve and the most experienced players in the league. Miles' issues are not insurmountable limits but rather growing pains that appear during the development process."

With Miles' arrival, Minnesota has regained the strength to challenge for the WNBA title again. This is thanks to Miles stepping up as the center of the team even with the absence of the original ace, Collier. Moreover, Collier is expected to complete her rehabilitation and return to the court soon.

The Guardian expressed hope, "Collier is likely to return after the All-Star break in late July. This excites basketball fans. The idea of the league's most selfless star playing alongside the most creative rookie is more than just interesting; it could be a reason for basketball fans to open their eyes every morning."

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*This content was translated by AI.