Initial WNBA All-Star returns show former USC F Kiki Iriafen 10th in fan vote

Realistically, this had to be the case. Former USC forward Kiki Iriafen is currently the 10th-highest recipient of votes for the upcoming WNBA All-Star game. These types of events that involve the fans directly can often see otherwise deserving players not receive the proper recognition for their efforts. 

In the case of Iriafen, as shared on X by the WNBA account, the Washington Mystics player will be in an excellent position to receive the nod as a frontcourt player. The fans will ultimately make up 50% of the vote. From there, the media and players will each make up the remaining 25% portions of the equation.

So far, Iriafen has been excellent as a rookie at the professional level. Her early poise and high work rate, combined with her overall skill set, have allowed her to stake an early claim in the 'W' as one of the best young talents in the league.

Other names on the list, as things stand now, can certainly be argued when making a comparison across the league for all players. Regardless of how the players and media end up balancing the scales through their part of the equation, it is difficult to envision a scenario in which Iriafen is not ultimately selected for the All-Star game as a rookie.

Stellar start in WNBA for USC Projan

Iriafen has entered after only recently leaving the floor for the last time as a Trojan and showed an ability to instantly adapt to the demands of the WNBA. Particularly on defense, she has matched up against what would be a difficult assignment for anyone. Here, too, Iriafen has more than held her own.

On the offensive end, Iriafen is doing well in the half-court setting for Washington. While she can be seen crashing the boards, her efficiency as a scorer when the possession does run directly through her should stand out among her peers.

It is early, and she will have many years to continue to work on her craft. For 2025, Iriafen deserves to be a WNBA All-Star.