The WNBA Draft: Why Olivia M Should Be the No. 1 Overall Pick Over Paige Beckers—A Shocking Take on the Future of Women’s Basketball

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to shake up everything you thought you knew about the WNBA Draft. Let’s be real: if we’re judging players based on their current abilities, not their past accolades or hype from high school, there’s no question about it—Olivia M should be the No. 1 overall pick in 2024. Yes, you heard that right. Forget about all the buzz surrounding Paige Beckers and the historic freshman year she had; it’s time to set the record straight and look at what’s happening now, not years ago.

Now, I know some of you might be shaking your heads, thinking about Paige Beckers’ impressive career—her National Player of the Year title as a freshman, her status as one of the most talked-about players in women’s basketball. And yes, I get it—she’s had her moments. But, let’s take a closer look at the facts and stop getting caught up in the nostalgia.

A Tale of Injuries: Why Past Performance Doesn’t Define the Future

Both Paige and Olivia have been sidelined by major knee injuries. Paige Beckers missed an entire season, and Olivia M had her own struggles, but here’s where the difference lies: Olivia M is simply younger, more versatile, and on a trajectory that’s impossible to ignore. At just 21 years old, she’s already delivering two consecutive triple-doubles for Notre Dame—something Paige, despite her legacy, hasn’t been able to replicate. And let’s not forget, Notre Dame is a better team than UConn right now, period.

Yet, even with these facts glaring in front of us, some WNBA teams still can’t seem to let go of the past. I’m talking about the teams that still overvalue certain players based on their high school days, ignoring the fact that this is the now we’re living in, not the past. Paige Beckers might have been the best player when she was 18, but what does that matter when Olivia M is playing at an elite level right now?

The Case for Olivia M: A Superior Point Guard, A Better Decision Maker

Let’s break it down—Olivia M isn’t just a better scorer; she’s a superior point guard. Yes, Paige Beckers might have an edge when it comes to off-the-ball shooting, but that’s irrelevant when you’re talking about playing the point guard position. Olivia M runs the offense with precision, reads the floor like a seasoned vet, and makes better decisions than anyone else in her class. At 5’10” with insane passing vision, she’s more than just a scorer—she’s the engine that drives her team.

You might argue that Paige Beckers has had better shooting efficiency, but let’s be clear about something—efficiency that comes from passiveness isn’t true efficiency. Anyone can be efficient when they’re just taking catch-and-shoot threes or layups. But when your efficiency comes at the expense of aggression, it’s just not as impressive. Olivia M takes on defenders headfirst, creates opportunities, and makes her teammates better. That’s what a point guard does. If you’re drafting based on who’s going to be the best point guard, Olivia M is the obvious choice.

Stop the Obsession with “Potential” and Start Judging What’s in Front of Us

People keep bringing up Paige Beckers’ potential, but what’s the point of potential if it’s not being realized? Olivia M is showing that she’s not just a player with promise—she’s a player who’s already arrived. And don’t even get me started on the notion that Paige Beckers should still be the No. 1 pick because she was once the “best freshman” or “best high school player.” Newsflash: that was years ago. You can’t draft based on what a player did when they were 18, especially when their development has plateaued.

When we look at Olivia M, we see a player who is consistently improving and dominating in the present. She’s a better point guard, a better decision-maker, and a better player overall. Paige Beckers might have a better shooting percentage, but when you consider the aggression and overall impact on the game, Olivia M takes the cake.

A Mistake Waiting to Happen: WNBA Teams Need to Wake Up

The reality is, WNBA teams are still making the same old mistakes—focusing too much on past accolades and not enough on current abilities. We’ve seen this before in other drafts, where ultra-hyped recruits end up falling short of expectations. Remember when Scoot Henderson didn’t live up to the hype? Or how about when Brandon Miller was picked over him, even though people thought it was a mistake? The same thing is happening here. Paige Beckers might have been the future once, but right now, Olivia M is the present and the future.

In the WNBA, teams are still undervaluing players based on outdated scouting models. Just because Paige Beckers was the best player in high school doesn’t mean she should still be treated like she’s the best player now. It’s time to stop holding onto the past and start making decisions based on who will make an impact today.

Conclusion: Time for a Change

It’s time for a shift in the WNBA Draft narrative. Olivia M is ready to take over. She’s younger, better, and playing at an elite level right now. Paige Beckers, while still a great player, simply doesn’t compare to the versatility, leadership, and basketball IQ that Olivia M brings to the table. WNBA teams need to stop living in the past and make the bold, necessary decision to draft the best player—Olivia M.

In the end, the future of the WNBA is looking brighter than ever with players like Olivia M leading the charge. And it’s time for the league to wake up and realize that the future isn’t Paige Beckers—it’s Olivia M.