Kiki Iriafen, an outstanding college women’s basketball star from Southern California, is ready to make her mark alongside JuJu Watkins, a young talent who recently joined USC from Stanford. This combination of two former Pac-12 rivals has fueled great expectations for the USC women’s basketball team as they enter this year’s Big Ten season. Honored with the Katrina McClain Award as the top forward, Iriafen brings fresh energy to the team with a fast-paced and determined playing style, promising an exciting season for fans.
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With impressive statistics from last season – averaging 19.4 points and 11 rebounds per game – Iriafen is one of the five players chosen for the Associated Press preseason All-American team. Since transferring from Stanford to USC, she has been a focal point of media attention in the transfer portal. Although still young, her skills and strong competitive spirit promise explosive performances.
Impact of JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen in Big Ten
JuJu Watkins, Iriafen’s new teammate, is equally significant as they approach the new season. She made a remarkable impression with 27.1 points per game in her freshman season, ranking second in the nation in scoring with a total of 920 points – the highest ever by a freshman. The combination of Watkins and Iriafen has not only helped USC secure the No. 3 spot in the AP Top 25 preseason rankings but also raised great hope for facing tough competitors in the Big Ten.
Iriafen expressed her excitement to play with Watkins, describing USC’s playing style as a college version of the “Showtime Lakers.” She shared with the press, “We want people to come watch us and say, ‘Wow, this is a fun team.’ We’re going to bring fast, high-energy, and persistent play.” Her confidence and ambition are seen as the keys to making USC’s season captivating for fans.
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Other Noteworthy Transfers in NCAA Women’s Basketball
Aside from Iriafen, this year’s transfer season has seen the arrival of several talented players to major teams:
- Georgia Amoore – Kentucky (Virginia Tech): Known for her outstanding playmaking ability (6.8 assists per game), the prominent guard followed coach Kenny Brooks from Virginia Tech to Kentucky. She promises to bring new strength to Kentucky with her scoring and playmaking skills.
- Raegan Beers – Oklahoma (Oregon State): This 6-foot-4 center averaged 17.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, helping Oregon State reach the regional finals last season. Beers’ move to Oklahoma is a significant boost to their defense.
- Liza Karlen and Liatu King – Notre Dame: Karlen and King are two experienced forwards who will bring power to Notre Dame’s front line, especially as the team faces the absence of key players due to injuries. Karlen averaged 17.7 points, while King stood out with her defensive stats and playmaking ability.
- Charlisse Leger-Walker – UCLA (Washington State): Hailing from New Zealand, this guard averaged 16.6 points per game, adding experience and depth to UCLA’s team in the Big Ten season.
- Lucy Olsen – Iowa (Villanova): With the departure of star Caitlin Clark, Iowa needs a new force to maintain their standing. Olsen, who averaged 23.3 points per game last season, is a perfect addition and promises to bring new life to the lineup.
- Hailey Van Lith – TCU (LSU): Van Lith is one of the most impressive individual performers in Division I, with over 1,900 career points, 500 rebounds, and 350 assists. With her entry into TCU’s lineup, she brings a versatile and sharp offensive style.
High Hopes for the New Season
The addition of talented players like Kiki Iriafen and JuJu Watkins not only strengthens USC but also intensifies competition among teams in the Big Ten. Fans can expect thrilling games, emotional plays, and explosive moments from these top names in college women’s basketball. With determination and positive energy, Iriafen and Watkins could create a memorable season for USC while leaving a profound mark in the history of NCAA women’s basketball.
