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Liberty Coach Sends Strong Message on Kiki Iriafen

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Deyscha Smith | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 4:38 AM ET

Kiki Iriafen is only a rookie, but she's already caught the attention of the WNBA, from being named Rookie of the Month on Wednesday to setting records to even impressing the competition, including Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello.

Ahead of the Washington Mystics' matchup against the New York Liberty on Thursday night, Brondello praised Iriafen for how well she's adjusted from playing in college at USC to now the WNBA.

"I've been really, really impressed with her game, to be quite honest," Brondello told the media, per Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post.

"I think she probably may be a better pro than when she was in college, I mean that's just how the game translates to this level. She's got this great, physical, big body. She's got confidence. She has a lot of freedom to play. I think that's good for young players like that, but [she's] very skilled."

At USC, Iriafen posted 18 points and 8.4 rebounds per game as a senior, but in her pro debut season, the Mystics' 2025 No. 4 draft pick has elevated her game: not only is she averaging a double-double of 14.6 points and 10 rebounds per game, but she's leading all rookies in rebounds per game and is ranked No. 4 in the entire WNBA.

The other names above her? A'ja Wilson, Jonquel Jones, and Angel Reese.

Despite the Mystics 78-86 loss to New York, Iriafen was impressive with her ability to hold her own in the paint: whether she was snagging 6 of the Mystics' 12 total offensive boards or remaining poised in the fourth and catching a perfectly on target lob from teammate Shakira Austin, Iriafen continues to show why many are already considering her a favorite to win Rookie of the Year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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