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The University of South California Attracts Basketball Star Kiki Iriafen
In a recent development, former Stanford forward Kiki Iriafen has decided to transfer to the renowned University of South California women’s basketball program for her final collegiate season. This significant move was reported by ESPN’s esteemed analyst Adrian Wojnarowski.
Iriafen, who is 21 years old, had an exceptional junior season where she played alongside Cameron Brink, who was subsequently drafted as the second overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024. She is now expected to be the top choice in the 2025 WNBA draft, showcasing her remarkable basketball prowess.
Reasons Behind the Transfer
The decision for Iriafen to transfer to USC likely stemmed from Brink’s departure to the professional league, coupled with the retirement of Stanford’s longtime head coach Tara VanDerveer. During her time at Stanford, the 6-foot-3 forward exhibited impressive statistics, averaging 19.4 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game over three seasons. Notably, in her final year, Stanford achieved a 30-6 record, reaching the NCAA Sweet 16, while Iriafen received the Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year award.
Exciting New Partnership
As Iriafen returns to her hometown of Los Angeles, she will join forces with freshman sensation Juju Watkins. In her debut collegiate season, Watkins emerged as the standout freshman in Division I, showcasing her skills by averaging 27.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for USC, which boasted a 29-6 record. Thanks to Watkins’ stellar performance, the Trojans secured a No. 1 seed in the women’s March Madness tournament, reaching the Elite Eight before bowing out to UConn.
Looking ahead, both Iriafen and Watkins are set to embark on an exciting basketball journey together, as USC transitions to the competitive Big Ten conference. Furthermore, with USC securing the services of the No. 2 ranked transfer player, as reported by ESPN, the team is poised for an even stronger lineup and an impressive campaign in the upcoming season.
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