3rd double-double by USC Projan Kiki Iriafen illustrates positive outlook with Mystics

This was a Washington Mystics team last year that went 14-26 and took until the middle of June to get its first win. Now with USC Projan Kiki Iriafen and fellow rookies Lucy Olsen and Sonia Citron, the corps is looking promising and playing high-level, entertaining basketball.

Losing a close one down the stretch to the Las Vegas Aces, Washington showed their ability to compete against an annual playoff-caliber side during their 75-72 loss.

Already, fans across the WNBA are taking notice of Iriafen and the role that she is playing in an already improved unit from last year. Having faced tough assignments on the defensive end of the court already, the former Trojan faced another difficult test in A'ja Wilson on Friday.

Even so, Iriafen produced her third consecutive double-double on a 17-point and 13-rebound outing. Her +/- of +6 against the reigning WNBA MVP is something of a minor feat as well.

Especially when facing a top team in the Aces without veteran Brittney Sykes, the Mystics did well to force Las Vegas to storm back at the Michelob Ultra Arena. Although the visitors did nearly steal one on the road.

More importantly, Washington is playing well, and their rookies are playing composed basketball within the offensive sets, at times clearly out-executing the more experienced other teams in 'The W.'

For Iriafen, this landing spot since leaving USC has been a good fit for her skill set and is allowing her to continue to grow her game. Already forming a good working relationship with the Mystics guards, her action with Citron and Jade Melbourne is proving to be a lot for opposing defenses to handle.

Early impressive run from former USC forward

Then add Iriafen's ability to consistently be in the right spot and either give the Mystics extra possessions through her efforts or secure the glass on the other end, and there is a lot to like about what Washington is building toward in this team's young future.

It's a long season ahead, and a lot can change in the standings. If the Mystics continue to develop their chemistry and win some of these close games that they've dropped, Iriafen could easily be part of a playoff roster in her first year in the WNBA.