USC forward Kiki Iriafen is laser-focused on one goal: bringing a national championship back to Los Angeles. Fresh off a season of thrilling victories and a stinging loss to cross-town rivals UCLA, Iriafen and the Trojans are gearing up for a highly anticipated NCAA Tournament run.
Name Game: Getting It Right
First things first, Iriafen wants to ensure everyone knows the correct pronunciation of her name: “It’s Iriafen, never to be mispronounced ever again!” she playfully declared.
Learning from the UCLA Loss
The recent defeat against UCLA served as a crucial wake-up call for the Trojans. Iriafen emphasized the importance of paying attention to details, noting that a lapse in focus contributed to the loss. “March is anybody’s game,” she stated, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament. The team is taking the loss “on the chin” and using it as fuel for the upcoming competition. Despite the loss, USC had beaten UCLA twice earlier in the season.
The Heat of the Rivalry
The USC-UCLA rivalry is unlike anything Iriafen has experienced before. She contrasted it with her previous rivalry with Cal, where friendships existed off the court. “Here it’s like there’s bad blood,” she revealed. “We do not like the school across town.” This intensity adds extra weight to every game, fueling the desire to win, especially against their rivals.
Championship Focus
When asked about a potential rematch with UCLA in the tournament, Iriafen made it clear that her priority is reaching the championship game, regardless of the opponent. “I just want to make it to the championship game,” she said. “I definitely would love another shot at UCLA for sure… but it really doesn’t matter when it is.”
One Game at a Time
As a projected number one seed, USC carries high expectations. Iriafen stressed the importance of balancing confidence with a grounded approach. “It’s taking it one game at a time,” she explained. While acknowledging the team’s potential and past victories against strong opponents, she cautioned against complacency. “It’s March, anybody can win in March,” she reiterated, emphasizing the need to take every opponent seriously.
Watkins and Iriafen: A Dynamic Duo
Alongside star freshman Juju Watkins, Iriafen forms a formidable offensive force. She described how she assesses the defense during the game to determine when to step up and take over if Watkins is being heavily guarded. However, she also highlighted the team’s depth, emphasizing that any player on the roster is capable of leading the scoring.
A Championship Vision
Iriafen’s decision to transfer to USC was heavily influenced by a phone call with Watkins. “It’s about this moment right now that we’re about to embark,” she shared. Both players were aligned in their desire to win a national championship and believed that joining forces would increase their chances of achieving that goal. The opportunity to play in front of family and friends in Los Angeles was another significant factor in her decision.
Prepared for the Challenge
Iriafen believes the team’s challenging schedule, including games against Big Ten and top-tier teams like Notre Dame and UConn, has prepared them for the rigors of the NCAA Tournament. She feels the Trojans have been “tried and tested” throughout the season, building confidence for the upcoming run.
Winning for LA
Winning a national championship for USC, a program with a rich basketball history, would mean everything to Iriafen. “We’re just about winning, winning, winning,” she declared. Bringing a title back to Los Angeles, a city many team members call home, would be the ultimate “cherry on top” for her final year of college basketball.
Selection Sunday Plans
The team plans to celebrate Selection Sunday with a taco bar and their loyal season ticket holders, expressing their gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support.
Looking Ahead
With a determined mindset and a talented roster, Kiki Iriafen and the USC Trojans are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their journey promises to be filled with exciting games, intense rivalries, and the ultimate pursuit of a national championship.
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