The 2025 WNBA Draft is just a week away, and the Washington Mystics are ready to make some big moves. With three picks in the top six, all eyes are on who they’ll choose to lead their rebuild.
One name keeps coming up—USC’s Kiki Iriafen. After a strong March Madness run and a big season, the 6’3” forward is widely expected to land in Washington as a top-five pick.
Mystics Eye Kiki Iriafen as Future Building Block
According to our PFSN’s WNBA Mock Draft, Iriafen is predicted to be selected third overall by Washington after obtaining the pick by trading veteran guard Ariel Atkins to Chicago earlier this year.
At 6’3”, Iriafen brings size and scoring ability to a team that needs a fresh start. She averaged 18 points, 8.4 rebounds, and nearly two assists per game this season, shooting 49% from the floor and over 81% from the free-throw line. Her biggest moment came in March Madness, when she dropped 36 points in a dominant win over Mississippi State, boosting her draft stock back into the top tier.
Her skill set fits what the Mystics are looking for—a forward who can rebound, defend the post, and score with confidence inside. She also has a smooth face-up game and can beat defenders off the dribble. Her ceiling goes even higher if she can stretch her shot to the three-point line.
With three picks in the top six, the Mystics could also grab a top guard to pair with Iriafen. That balance of size and backcourt talent could immediately reshape the team’s identity.
Does Irafen Fit with the Mystics’ New Look?
Washington is entering a new era. They have a new head coach, Sydney Johnson, a new general manager, and a clear goal to build a younger, faster, and more versatile roster. With the seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time league MVP Elena Delle Donne stepping away from basketball and the 2019 WNBA champion Ariel Atkins now in Chicago, the team has room for new stars to rise.
Iriafen could become the centerpiece of that change. Her rebounding and ability to defend multiple positions would pair well with Shakira Austin in the frontcourt, giving the Mystics a strong inside duo. If the team adds a strong guard in the same draft, Washington could quietly build one of the most exciting young cores in the league.
The 2025 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 14 in New York City. It will air live on ESPN from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. EST in the U.S. and across TSN channels in Canada. With Iriafen projected to land in D.C., the Mystics’ rebuild could be off to a powerful start.