The 2025 WNBA Draft promises to be one of the most exciting in recent history. With standout talents like Paige Bueckers and Kiki Iriafen leading the way, this class is poised to make a significant impact on the league
As fans and analysts eagerly await the draft, one thing is certain: the future of women’s basketball is in excellent hands.
Kiki Iriafen’s adjustment this season reflects her ability to evolve and thrive in new roles. Her combination of interior scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess makes her a standout player in college basketball.
As the 2025 WNBA Draft approaches, two names consistently dominate the conversation: UConn’s Paige Bueckers and USC’s Kiki Iriafen. Both players bring unique skill sets and exciting potential, setting the stage for an intriguing draft class.
While Bueckers has surged forward with an outstanding season, Iriafen’s journey has been more complex, with her transfer to USC adding layers of adjustment and growth to her game.
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Table of Contents
Kiki Iriafen: Work in Progress
Kiki Iriafen’s decision to transfer from Stanford to USC was one of the biggest stories in women’s college basketball last offseason.1
Pairing up with Juju Watkins created high expectations for the Trojans, but Iriafen’s transition hasn’t been entirely smooth.
At Stanford, Iriafen was a consistent force in the paint, but her move to USC has required her to adapt to a different system and roster dynamics.
This season, she is averaging 18.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game—solid numbers but a slight decline from her previous output.
Adjusting to a new team often comes with challenges, and Iriafen’s situation is no different. Developing chemistry with her teammates, particularly Watkins, is a work in progress. Despite the early struggles, her physical tools and potential remain undeniable.
Love me some Cardinal!😉❤️ https://t.co/OocK6tJTwk
— Kiki Iriafen (@kikiiriafen) September 22, 2024
Other Notable Prospects in the 2025 Draft
While Bueckers and Iriafen headline the class, several other players have made strong cases for top selections.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark continues to dazzle with her scoring prowess and long-range shooting. Averaging over 25 points per game, Clark’s ability to create her shot and hit from deep makes her one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory.
Stanford’s Cameron Brink is a dominant force on the defensive end. Her shot-blocking and rebounding prowess make her a game-changer, and she’s added a reliable mid-range jumper to her offensive repertoire.
LSU’s Angel Reese is another player to watch. With her relentless motor and knack for dominating the boards, Reese’s physicality and effort make her a likely lottery pick.
The 2025 WNBA Draft stands out for its depth and diversity of talent. From sharp-shooting guards to dominant post players, this class offers something for every team.
Kiki Iriafen: Versatility Across Positions
Beyond the headliners, this draft features several players with All-Star potential. Guards like Hailey Van Lith and forwards like Aliyah Boston add to the richness of this year’s class.2
Many prospects in this draft are multi-dimensional players who can fill multiple roles. This versatility allows teams to address specific needs without sacrificing talent.
Iriafen continues to showcase her dominance as an interior scorer, leveraging her size, athleticism, and soft touch around the rim. Her ability to finish through contact and her footwork in the post remain key strengths. However, in the modern era of basketball, being an elite interior player is no longer sufficient for top-tier status.
The Impact of NIL on the 2025 Draft Class
- Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have significantly influenced the college basketball landscape, and the 2025 draft class is no exception.
- NIL opportunities have allowed players like Bueckers and Iriafen to earn substantial income while still in school. This has changed the calculus for many players, making the decision to declare for the draft more complex.
- With access to better training and resources through NIL deals, players are entering the draft more prepared than ever. This added layer of professionalism benefits both the athletes and the WNBA teams.
- Modern bigs like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier have expanded their games to include perimeter skills, a dimension that Iriafen is yet to master.
- This season, she has shown signs of trying to extend her range, attempting five three-pointers already compared to just six attempts last season.
- While her willingness to explore perimeter shooting is encouraging, the results have yet to materialize. This could be a critical area of growth if she aims to compete at the highest levels.
Kiki Iriafen: Predictions for the 2025 Draft
As the draft approaches, predictions and mock drafts will continue to evolve. However, several trends are already apparent.3
Bueckers is the consensus favorite to go first overall, with Iriafen and Clark rounding out the top three. Teams looking for a dominant post presence may prioritize players like Brink or Reese.
The draft order will heavily influence selections. Teams in need of guards will focus on players like Bueckers and Clark, while those seeking post players will target Brink and Iriafen.
Challenges Ahead for Draft Prospects
Entering the WNBA is a significant transition, and even the most talented prospects face hurdles.
The speed and physicality of the WNBA are a step up from college basketball. Players must quickly adjust to the demands of the professional game.
High draft picks often face immense pressure to perform immediately. Managing these expectations while continuing to develop is a critical challenge for rookies.
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Kiki Iriafen’s Adjustment For WNBA Draft
As the 2025 WNBA Draft approaches, Kiki Iriafen has emerged as a compelling prospect.
Known for her powerful interior scoring and tenacious defense, her evolution this season has sparked intriguing discussions about her potential as a top draft pick.
While her offensive role has shifted, her productivity and efficiency remain noteworthy. This analysis delves into her transformation, strengths, and future outlook.
One of the most striking changes in Iriafen’s game this season has been her offensive role.
A notable decrease in her scoring volume, coupled with a sharp drop in usage rate from 33.4% last year to 27.1% this year, signals a shift in how she’s utilized. Despite these changes, Iriafen has managed to increase her efficiency significantly.
This efficiency boost is largely attributed to her remarkable interior presence, leveraging her skills in rebounding and paint dominance rather than relying solely on post-ups.
Last season, Iriafen’s offensive possessions revolved around post-up plays, accounting for a staggering 45.3% of her offensive actions.
This season, that number has dropped to 17.6%. Instead of relying on back-to-the-basket play, Iriafen has embraced a more versatile offensive approach.
By cutting, rebounding, and spotting up, she’s adapted to the modern demands of the game, making her a more dynamic threat on the floor.
Iriafen’s strength and finesse make her nearly unstoppable in the restricted area. Standing at 6-foot-3, she combines power, touch, and craft to consistently score and draw fouls.
Her free-throw rate, an impressive 51.2%, underscores her ability to generate contact. Moreover, her efficiency from the line—80% free-throw shooting—ensures that teams pay dearly for fouling her.
A key component of Iriafen’s game is her dominance on the boards. Offensive rebounding now accounts for 21.7% of her possessions, reflecting her ability to thrive without plays drawn specifically for her.
Her massive 20.3% offensive rebounding rate ranks ninth nationally, highlighting her impact as a glass cleaner.
Iriafen’s knack for turning missed shots into scoring opportunities is invaluable, especially as she builds chemistry with her teammates.
Kiki Iriafen: Harmonizing with Teammates
As Iriafen adjusts to a new offensive rhythm, her partnership with teammate Juju Watkins plays a crucial role.
Learning to harmonize with Watkins, another dominant player, challenges Iriafen to maximize her off-ball impact.
Her rebounding and cutting abilities ensure that she remains an offensive asset, even when not the primary focus.
Iriafen’s arsenal of scoring moves is tailor-made for the college game, which often emphasizes post-up play. From drop steps and spins to fadeaways, she keeps defenders guessing.
When opponents attempt to neutralize her strong right hand, she seamlessly switches to her left, finishing with finesse. This versatility solidifies her reputation as a multi-talented scorer.
Efficiency is a hallmark of Iriafen’s game this season. By focusing on high-percentage opportunities, such as put-backs and cuts, she’s minimized wasted possessions.
Her ability to capitalize on offensive rebounds and draw fouls ensures that every possession counts, making her a cornerstone of her team’s offense.
While Iriafen’s offensive evolution garners attention, her defensive impact should not be overlooked. Her physicality, timing, and awareness make her a formidable presence in the paint. She’s adept at altering shots and securing defensive rebounds, providing a critical anchor for her team’s defense.
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Drawing comparisons to established WNBA players like A’ja Wilson or Sylvia Fowles, Iriafen’s combination of interior scoring and defensive prowess sets her apart.
However, her ability to adapt and diversify her offensive game—as seen this season—might give her an edge in the modern WNBA, which increasingly values versatility.
Iriafen’s unique combination of skills and adaptability positions her as a strong candidate for the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes her a coveted prospect. With continued growth, she’s poised to be a franchise cornerstone for whichever team drafts her.
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