A new challenge has arrived, and it's already pushing Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen to elevate her game! The Unrivaled league's second season in Miami features five Mystics players, including Shakira Austin, Sug Sutton, Sonia Citron, Emily Engstler, and, of course, the rising star, Kiki Iriafen. But here's where it gets interesting: Iriafen's performance is turning heads.
While Austin and Sutton are off to a hot start with a perfect 3-0 record, Iriafen just secured her first Unrivaled victory against a tough Mist team. This game marked her best performance yet, showcasing her potential with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block. She even played crucial minutes when the game was on the line.
Unrivaled offers a unique proving ground for players to hone their skills. The three-on-three format provides ample space for individual brilliance, but it also demands constant activity and aggression from every player. Imagine the learning experience: playing alongside Aliyah Boston and competing against formidable talents like Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, and Shakira Austin. This environment is tailor-made for Iriafen's development, pushing her to explore aspects of her game not yet fully realized in the WNBA. And this is the part most people miss: Unrivaled is challenging her to expand her offensive repertoire, particularly her three-point shooting.
Could playing in Unrivaled help Iriafen become a more versatile offensive threat? The answer seems to be yes. Last year, Azurá Stevens experienced a significant transformation in her scoring ability, leading to her best three-point shooting season in the WNBA.
As a rookie, Iriafen didn't attempt many three-pointers, taking only 11 and making just two. However, she was highly efficient inside the arc, converting nearly 50% of her two-point shots. Like Shakira Austin, she wasn't known for her long-range shooting. If Iriafen can develop into a stretch four, the Mystics' frontcourt will gain a new dimension of versatility.
So far in Unrivaled, Iriafen has already attempted 5 three-pointers. Although she's only made one, the willingness to take these shots is a positive sign. She's not letting a few misses deter her.
As the season progresses and Iriafen becomes more comfortable in the fast-paced three-on-three setting, we could see her long-range shots start to fall more consistently. Her improvement is already evident, with her scoring efficiency increasing significantly from game to game. She's also holding her own on the boards against tough competition like Dominique Malonga and Breanna Stewart.
What do you think? Will Iriafen's experience in Unrivaled translate into a more versatile and effective player in the WNBA? Share your thoughts in the comments!
