Stanford star forward Kiki Iriafen enters name into the transfer portal
The Stanford roster and sideline will look quite different next season as just days after legendary coach Tara VanDerveer retired, star forward Kiki Iriafen opted to enter the transfer portal.
While a return to Stanford is possible, Iriafen did enter the portal with "do not contact" tag which means she likely has her landing spot picked out. If she does in fact leave the program, it would be a major blow for new head coach Kate Paye, especially considering Cameron Brink is also leaving the program for the WNBA Draft.
Iriafen had a breakout season this year, as she averaged a team-high 19.4 points, and grabbed 11 rebounds per game, while shooting 54.6% from the field, and earning Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year. A major jump up from her previous career-highs of 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds.
Mar 29, 2024; Portland, OR, USA; Stanford Cardinal forward Kiki Iriafen (44) shoots a jump shot
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
She had huge performances all season long, but it was her Sweet 16 showing against Iowa State that stands out the most. With Brink in foul trouble and eventually fouling out, Iriafen dropped 41 points and grabbed 16 rebounds on 16-of-30 shooting in their 87-81 overtime win.
Stanford fans were concerned about Iriafen leaving after reports from VanDerveer's final press conference indicated that when asked about whether or not she'd return next season, Iriafen declined to give a definitive answer.
