AFCON 2025
Washington Mystics forward, Kiki Iriafen has been named the WNBA Rookie of the Month for May 2025, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning professional career.
This accolade not only underscores her impressive debut but also establishes her as the first player in Mystics history to receive this honor.
Selected fourth overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Iriafen has made an immediate impact on the court. Over her first eight games, she averaged 14.6 points and 10 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 51.7% from the field.
Her rebounding prowess ranks her fourth in the league, and she stands second among rookie scorers.
Iriafen’s performance places her in elite company; she is only the second rookie in WNBA history to record four double-doubles within her first five games, joining the ranks of multi-time MVP A’ja Wilson.
Additionally, she is among a select group of six players who have averaged at least 10 points and 10 rebounds through their first seven career games, aligning her with legends like Tina Charles and Candace Parker.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Iriafen’s recognition carries cultural significance. She becomes the first Nigerian-American to earn the WNBA Rookie of the Month title, a testament to her heritage and the growing diversity within the league.
