Knoxville Shocked as Ole Miss Women’s Basketball Rejects Elite Twin Prospects Mia and Mya Pauldo

In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples through the women’s college basketball recruiting landscape, the University of Mississippi’s (Ole Miss) women’s basketball program has reportedly passed on signing the highly touted Pauldo twins, Mia and Mya. The identical twin sisters, hailing from Morris Catholic High School in Denville, New Jersey, are considered among the most elite basketball prospects in the nation. Their rejection by a prominent SEC program like Ole Miss has raised eyebrows and sparked widespread discussion among fans, analysts, and recruiters alike.

Mia and Mya Pauldo are not just your average high school basketball players. As identical twins, their synchronicity on the court is often described as instinctual. Both athletes possess a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that has made them standout performers at Morris Catholic High School in Denville, a school known for its competitive athletics and academic excellence.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Mia and Mya have been inseparable since birth, not just in life but also on the basketball court. Their journey began at a young age when they started playing in local leagues and quickly gained attention for their ability to work together seamlessly. Coaches and scouts have praised their court vision, passing abilities, and relentless defensive work.

From the outset, it was clear that the Pauldo twins were destined for greatness. They dominated in middle school and AAU circuits, standing out for their unique blend of athleticism and technical prowess. They trained rigorously year-round, constantly refining their skills, which paid off with impressive performances in high school competitions.

At Morris Catholic High School, the twins have been the cornerstone of their team’s success. Both Mia and Mya have been instrumental in leading the team to several championships and playoff appearances. Their stats speak volumes: consistently averaging double digits in points, rebounds, and assists per game, they have earned multiple all-state honors and regional MVP awards.

Their playing style complements each other perfectly — Mia, known for her sharpshooting and quickness, often plays as a guard, orchestrating plays and creating scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Mya’s versatility allows her to function both as a forward and a defensive stopper, disrupting opposing offenses with her tenacity and athleticism.

Their leadership qualities extend beyond their individual performances. Teammates and coaches admire the twins for their unselfishness, competitive spirit, and ability to elevate the entire team’s play. They have been team captains since their sophomore year and are widely respected figures in their school community.

Given their remarkable talent and high school achievements, Mia and Mya attracted attention from numerous NCAA Division I programs early in their junior year. Recruiting services ranked them among the top 20 prospects nationally in the 2025 class, and multiple Power Five schools pursued their commitment.

Ole Miss, under the leadership of head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, has been actively rebuilding its women’s basketball program with a focus on securing elite young talent. The program’s goal has been to become a perennial contender in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).

When the Pauldo twins emerged as rising stars, Ole Miss moved quickly to establish contact, extending official visits and scholarship offers. For many, the twins appeared to be a perfect fit for the Rebels’ style of play — fast-paced, aggressive, and team-oriented basketball.

Coaches from Ole Miss praised the twins publicly, acknowledging their elite skill level and potential to impact the program immediately. The Pauldo twins also expressed enthusiasm about the program initially, citing the competitive SEC environment and coaching staff as major draws.

Despite what appeared to be a mutual interest, the final decision from Ole Miss was a rejection. The program chose not to extend a scholarship offer to the twins, effectively ending the recruitment.

This decision surprised many observers, considering the twins’ rankings and the fact that Ole Miss was actively recruiting players of similar caliber. No official detailed explanation has been provided by Ole Miss’s coaching staff, but insiders speculate that the rejection may have stemmed from a combination of roster constraints, scholarship limits, and strategic decisions about team composition and positional needs.

The rejection of such high-profile recruits by a major program like Ole Miss has several ramifications for all parties involved.

This move signals that the Rebels’ staff might be focusing on other priorities, such as strengthening their existing roster, targeting different player profiles, or managing scholarship allocations more conservatively.

Ole Miss’s decision could also reflect a strategic approach to building a balanced team rather than simply stacking talent. While the Pauldo twins bring undeniable skill, the coaching staff may have had concerns about how their playing style or positional fit would mesh with their current system or existing recruits.

However, the rejection also comes with risks. Turning away elite talent like Mia and Mya opens the door for rival programs, especially within the SEC, to capitalize on the opportunity and bolster their own rosters.

While this rejection is undoubtedly disappointing, it also opens new doors. The twins remain among the most sought-after prospects nationally, with many other top programs ready to offer scholarships and playing opportunities.

The Pauldo twins will likely use this experience as motivation to prove themselves at the collegiate level. Their close bond and shared drive will be key assets as they navigate the pressures and challenges of NCAA Division I basketball.

It’s also possible that this rejection will spur them to choose a program that better aligns with their individual goals, playing style, and academic interests, potentially leading to an even better fit.

This development has sent ripples through other college programs looking to recruit top-tier talent. With Ole Miss stepping back, other SEC schools like Tennessee, South Carolina, and Kentucky, as well as programs outside the SEC, are intensifying their recruitment efforts.

Programs with existing scholarship openings and needs at guard or forward positions will now see the Pauldo twins as prime targets, and their commitment could reshape conference dynamics in the coming years.

Mia and Mya Pauldo are entering a critical phase in their basketball careers. They will have to weigh multiple factors as they consider their next steps, including:

• Program fit: Finding a team that values their unique skill sets and offers opportunities for immediate playing time.
• Coaching staff: Building relationships with coaches who can help develop their potential and guide them toward professional aspirations.
• Academic considerations: Choosing a university that supports their educational goals and personal growth.
• Team culture: Joining a program where they can thrive both on and off the court.

Given their talent and work ethic, it’s almost certain that they will find a new home soon. The recruiting cycle will be intense, with many schools vying to add the Pauldo twins to their rosters.

Several programs have already expressed strong interest in the twins. Schools with successful women’s basketball traditions and resources to develop elite athletes are likely candidates. Programs in the Big Ten, ACC, or even mid-major conferences with strong women’s basketball reputations could also emerge as frontrunners.

The rejection of Mia and Mya Pauldo by Ole Miss women’s basketball has created one of the most talked-about stories in the 2025 recruiting season. These elite twins from Morris Catholic High School are not only exceptional athletes but also exemplify the competitive spirit and dedication required to succeed at the next level.

While Ole Miss’s decision may initially seem puzzling, it highlights the complex nature of college basketball recruiting, where fit, strategy, and timing all play critical roles. For the Pauldo twins, this is just one chapter in their journey — one that will surely lead them to a new opportunity to shine.

As the recruiting season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Mia and Mya Pauldo as they navigate their path toward collegiate basketball stardom. Whatever their next destination, the future looks bright for these remarkable twins.