In a moment that will be etched into the history books of Nigerian-American sports excellence, Kiki Iriafen has been selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics—making her the highest-drafted USC women’s basketball player in nearly three decades.
At just 21, Iriafen’s rise to professional basketball has been nothing short of electric. Her standout season with the USC Trojans not only showcased her raw talent and composure under pressure but also marked a pivotal return of USC’s influence in the WNBA spotlight. Since the legendary 1997 draft where Tina Thompson and Pam McGee were selected first and second overall, USC hadn’t seen a player drafted this high—until Iriafen stepped up.
Born to Nigerian parents and raised in the U.S., Iriafen embodies a rich blend of cultural pride and athletic excellence. This season, she averaged an impressive 18 points per game and was a consistent force on both ends of the floor. Her leadership became even more crucial when teammate JuJu Watkins went down with an injury.
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Iriafen didn’t hesitate—she carried the Trojans on her back all the way to the Elite Eight, where they ultimately fell to eventual champions UConn, led by Paige Bueckers.
Beyond the numbers, it was Iriafen’s poise, grit, and ability to step up in clutch moments that caught the eyes of WNBA scouts. Her ability to lead when it mattered most was exactly what the Washington Mystics were searching for, especially as they navigate a post-Elena Delle Donne era.
For the Mystics, Iriafen isn’t just a draft pick—she’s a fresh chapter. For Nigerian and African communities across the globe, she’s yet another beacon of hope that the global game of basketball is more inclusive than ever. And for USC, she is a legacy reborn.
As Iriafen prepares to wear a Mystics jersey, one thing is certain—Washington is gaining more than a player. They’re gaining a leader.
