Last week, the Washington Mystics made history by selecting Nigerian-American forward Okikiola “Kiki” Iriafen with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft – the highest draft position ever achieved by a Nigerian-born player. Iriafen’s transition from collegiate standout to professional prospect reflects both her personal drive and the growing influence of Nigerian talent in global women’s basketball.
From Harvard-Westlake to Stanford and USC
Iriafen honed her skills at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, earning McDonald’s All-American honors and two Los Angeles Daily News Player of the Year awards during her high school career. Rated a five-star recruit, she chose Stanford University, where she developed into a star power forward, averaging 19.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game as a junior and earning Pac-12 Most Improved Player honors.
In 2024, Iriafen transferred to the University of Southern California (USC) for her senior season, where she maintained her dominance on the court with an 18.0-point, 8.4-rebound average and added Third-team All-American recognition to her resume.
Draft Night and Immediate Impact
On April 14, 2025, amid strong buzz around her two-way potential, the Mystics called Iriafen’s name at No. 4 overall. Her selection underscored Washington’s commitment to rebuilding with versatile forwards who can score inside and stretch defenses on the perimeter.
“Stepping into the WNBA is a dream come true,” Iriafen told ABC7, reflecting on the cheers she received from fans in Washington, D.C. “Everyone’s excitement has been incredible, and I’m ready to bring energy to the Mystics’ lineup,” she said.
What Iriafen Brings to the Mystics
At 6-foot-3, Iriafen combines interior strength with a developing perimeter shot, posting 54.6% field-goal accuracy and 33.3% from three-point range during her junior season at Stanford. Her rebounding acumen (11.0 per game as a junior) and improved free-throw shooting (77.3% FT in 2023–24) promise to fill multiple roles for a Mystics team seeking both floor spacing and interior toughness.
Off the court, Iriafen holds a degree in design engineering from Stanford and is pursuing a master’s in entrepreneurship and innovation at USC. Her academic success, highlighted by the Women’s Basketball Academic All-American of the Year award, speaks to her discipline and leadership qualities.
A Celebration of Nigerian Roots
Iriafen, daughter of Nigerian engineers and doctors, takes pride in her heritage. She sees her WNBA entry as another platform to showcase Nigerian excellence and inspire the next generation of athletes back home.
Her path mirrors that of other Nigerian-American stars—combining athletic prowess with academic achievement—and reinforces Nigeria’s growing footprint in global women’s basketball. As the Mystics prepare for training camp, Iriafen stands ready to make an immediate impact on the court and serve as an ambassador of Nigerian talent.
Looking Ahead
With the fourth pick, Washington bets on Iriafen’s versatility to mesh with veterans and elevate the franchise’s playoff aspirations. Her blend of inside scoring, rebounding, and expanding shooting range address multiple team needs. If history is any guide, Iriafen’s work ethic and cerebral approach—shaped by her engineering background—could fast-track her into a key rotation role.
As the WNBA season opens, all eyes will be on this Nigerian-American forward whose journey from Los Angeles high school gyms to USC arenas and now to the professional stage embodies perseverance, skill, and the broadening horizons of women’s basketball.