Kiki Iriafen’s journey to basketball greatness is a tale of talent, resilience, and cultural pride. Born as Okikiola Iriafen, in Los Angeles to Nigerian parents, Kiki’s roots run deep, and she’s never shied away from celebrating her heritage.
College Dominance: Stanford, USC, and a Leap of Faith
Kiki’s basketball journey began at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, where she smashed records as the all-time leader in points and rebounds and was named a McDonald’s All-American. She chose Stanford for college, where she blossomed into a dominant force, averaging 19.4 points and 11.0 rebounds in her junior year. After earning Pac-12 Most Improved Player honors, she made a bold move by transferring to USC for her final season, seeking new challenges and growth opportunities. “I had a good thing going at Stanford, but I wanted more to get ready for the WNBA,” Kiki explained, crediting her time at USC and coach Lindsay Gottlieb for preparing her for the pro stage.
Draft Night: A Cultural Celebration
Draft night was more than just a career milestone, it was also a celebration of her Nigerian roots. Kiki turned heads not just with her selection as the fourth overall pick by the Washington Mystics, but with a stunning gold gown by Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander, a bold statement of identity and pride. “I wanted to look good, I wanted to feel good,” Kiki shared, describing how her draft night look was months in the making and a tribute to her family and culture.
Rookie Season: Making Waves with the Mystics
Kiki has hit the ground running in Washington, quickly earning a spot in the starting lineup. Her stats speak volumes as at the the time of writing:
| Stat | Value |
| Points/Game | 12.9 |
| Rebounds/Game | 8.4 |
| Assists/Game | 1.4 |
| FG% | 46.3% |
| FT% | 78.6% |
| Games Played | 17 |
She’s been a double-double machine, averaging nearly 13 points and over 8 rebounds per game in her rookie campaign. Her relentless energy, rebounding prowess, and ability to finish in the paint have made her a fan favorite in D.C.
All-Star Honors and Rookie History
Kiki’s impact was immediate, she was named a reserve for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, joining teammate Sonia Citron as the first rookie duo to earn All-Star honors since 1999. “Coming in as a rookie and being recognized as an All-Star is honestly a blessing,” she said. “And to be able to do it with one of my teammates in Sonia, I think it’s super special”.
The Nigerian Diaspora Connection
Kiki’s arrival in Washington has energized the city’s vibrant Nigerian community. She’s proud to represent her heritage on the national stage, saying, “With a strong Nigerian community in the DMV area, I’m excited to represent both my team and my culture in the nation’s capital”.
Off the Court: Scholar and Role Model
Beyond basketball, Kiki is a scholar. She earned her master’s degree in entrepreneurship and innovation from USC, balancing graduate studies with preseason training. “I can’t believe it’s actually here,” she said on her debut, reflecting on her whirlwind transition from graduation to the WNBA floor.
What’s Next for Kiki Iriafen?
With her infectious smile, work ethic, and pride in her Nigerian roots, Kiki Iriafen, our #44 is not just a rising star, she’s an inspiration for the next generation of athletes across the Nigerian diaspora. As she continues her rookie season, fans can expect more highlight-reel plays, leadership, and a whole lot of Naija energy.
“I had to really step up. I’ve never really had to be in a leadership role. But I had to this year, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.” — Kiki Iriafen