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Washington Mystics select Kiki Iriafen with No. 4 overall pick in WNBA Draft

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•04/14/25•

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James Snook-Imagn Images

Former USC Trojans small forward Kiki Iriafen was selected by the Washington Mystics with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She played at Stanford and USC throughout her career.

She broke out as a junior at Stanford but saved her best for last at USC. Iriafen averaged 18 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists. Iriafen helped lead USC to a Big Ten regular season title and the Elite Eight.

A unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection and an AP All-America Third Team choice this season, Iriafen excelled in her first campaign at USC after three seasons with Stanford. She was a finalist for the Katrina McClain Award as the nation’s best power forward this season after winning the award in 2024.

Iriafen stepped up in the absence of star Juju Watkins, who went down with a season-ending injury during the NCAA Tournament. Now, Iriafen will take her talents to the WNBA.

Kiki Iriafen latest college star to make jump to WNBA

With so many recognizable college stars coming into the league, such as Iriafen the WNBA is in position to further capitalize on the college game. The calendar sets that up on the court considering the draft takes place eight days after the national championship and regular-season games begin May 16.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert also pointed out players such as Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese all partnered with notable brands such as State Farm, Nike and Ally, which also have agreements in place with the league. Because they were able to establish themselves at the college level, it creates a strong foundation for when they turn professional.

“To an extent, NIL really helped elevate and market players with these big brands,” Engelbert said. “And then, they come into the W and you have Ally stepping up and endorsing these players because all NIL is in pros are endorsements. … Really proud of being able to continue to build these brands not just in local and domestic brands, but global brands.”