Former USC F Kiki Iriafen makes WNBA preseason debut for Washington Mystics

On paper it was a preseason game. The way the matchup between the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever played out, it was anything but. Former USC player Kiki Iriafen made her professional debut at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the visitors fell 79-74 during Saturday's game.

Iriafen played 16 minutes and scored seven points to go along with five rebounds in her first game with her WNBA team. It was an exhibition that did not feature Caitlin Clark or Aaliyah Edwards. Everyone who was able to play made it feel far closer to a playoff environment than anything else. The term friendly, as it would be used in other sports, certainly would not have applied here as the Projan experienced firsthand.

It was a largely positive showing for the rookie. Iriafen looked to get her touches early in the paint and didn't hesitate to try to take advantage of her matchup down low. Defensively, she was immediately called into action, as the commentating crew called it, and was able to contest by her 'walling up.'

Against a frontcourt that featured Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard, Iriafen held her own and showed her defensive versatility that USC fans are very much familiar with. Her first block as a pro still eludes her, but that should be right around the corner.

Offensively, the forward showed a WNBA-level low-post game already. In terms of her footwork and patience down low, the rookie looks ready to make an immediate impact for the Mystics in that regard. Arguably the best moment for her came on an and-one field goal that came late in the fourth quarter.

Positive signs for former USC player

Most importantly, not that this would necessarily be a concern with her anyway, Iriafen showed her confidence and didn't hesitate to make a play on defense and to look for her offense on the other end. In terms of showing the needed force in the post and being able to score and secure the boards, she made an excellent case for herself against the Fever.

The Mystics will face the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday for the final preseason action before the WNBA season starts. Especially considering Edwards is out for about two weeks, Iriafen is likely to see a continued role on this Washington well past the second exhibition game.