Kiki Iriafen - WNBA Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

The Seattle Storm's recent free agency moves allow them to hold off on drafting a guard after Jewell Loyd's departure. That's where USC forward Kiki Iriafen comes in. Drafting Iriafen at No. 2. probably depends on how she does in the NCAA tournament, but we're PUSHING THE AGENDA.

If the team wants someone who could be inserted into the starting lineup if needed and provide immediate depth, Iriafen is a solid choice. Her ability to clean up on glass is an underrated quality in her game, and a lot of it can be attributed to her knack for blowing past and up and over opponents.

She excels at using her length and explosiveness to create opportunities. Moreover, Iriafen brings the BUCKETS. The USC forward is a top-tier option, whether at the rim, in the midrange game or even a sneaky good 3-pointer.

Iriafen's slide down the board stops at No. 5 and the expansion Valkyries, who will offer the California native a chance to stay at home. While Iriafen hasn't been bad in her first season at USC, she hasn't shown the growth in key areas -- shooting, rim protection -- that many were hoping to see. Still, she's an efficient scorer, and her athleticism and motor will make her a good fit for the fast-paced style Natalie Nakase wants to implement.

This is getting to the point in the draft where front offices start to look less at glaring needs and more at the best player available—especially with the major expected shifts in free agency one year from now.

I would have a hard time looking past Kiki Iriafen if she were still on the board at No. 6. She could be a great addition for a Washington Mystics team looking to redefine their entire franchise.

While Malonga is a younger developmental pick with stash potential, Iriafen could provide a more immediate impact in year one. She has great length and athleticism around the paint and plays with a power that will translate well to the pro level.

She is aggressive on the glass and generates second-chance points, averaging 8.2 rebounds per game this season. She elevates over opponents, has a nose for the ball and can play in a fast-paced pro system. She has only begun to scratch the surface with her offensive potential, averaging 17.8 points per game this season.

Iriafen played her first three seasons at Stanford and could go back to the Bay area to begin her WNBA career with the expansion Valkyries. She had a breakthrough season as a junior (19.4 points, 11.0 rebounds per game) with the Cardinal last year, and now is averaging 17.7 points and 8.2 rebounds for USC. She had 15 points Thursday in a win over Wisconsin as the Trojans bounced back from an upset loss at Iowa.