Kiki Iriafen has become one of the top prospects for the upcoming WNBA draft after a standout season at the University of Southern California. Iriafen transferred to USC from Stanford for her senior year and made an immediate impact that caught the attention of WNBA scouts.
Impressive Statistical Performance Highlights WNBA Potential
In her lone season at USC, Iriafen averaged 18.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, helping the Trojans win the Big Ten title and reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
She was a unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection. She earned Third Team All-American honors from the Associated Press and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association because of her consistent play.
Iriafen was efficient all year, shooting 49.0% from the field and an impressive 81.1% from the free-throw line. She also ranked 14th in the country in offensive rebounds per game and placed inside the top 50 in both points per game and field goals made.
That ability to keep plays alive showed her hustle and toughness. She stepped up even more in games against top-10 opponents, averaging 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 90.3% from the line.
When teammate JuJu Watkins went down with a knee injury, Iriafen delivered in a big way, scoring 36 points and grabbing nine rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game when her team needed her most.
Analyzing Kiki Iriafen’s Game for Professional Success
Experts say Iriafen’s college numbers and overall game translate well to the WNBA. Her strong footwork, scoring ability in the post, and defensive presence in the paint have made her one of the most talked-about players in this draft class.
While she still has room to grow—especially with her outside shot and playmaking—her skill base should make her transition to the pro game smoother. Her free-throw rate of 51.2% shows she knows how to draw contact, a valuable trait in the league.
She also posted a career-high 2.4% steal rate, pointing to her strong defensive instincts.
Analysts have repeatedly praised Iriafen’s motor and finishing ability. ESPN’s Michael Voepel highlighted her “composure and leadership stepping up after JuJu Watkins got hurt as a sign Iriafen is ready for an opportunity” at the next level.
With her size, athleticism, and proven production against elite teams, Kiki Iriafen looks poised to have a successful WNBA career. While adding more to her offensive game could help, her time at USC showed she already has the core skills needed to make an immediate impact.