Stanford basketball will likely enter the post-Tara VanDerveer era without star Kiki Iriafen, who reportedly has entered the transfer portal just days after the legendary Cardinal coach announced her retirement.
According to according to On3’s Pete Nakos, Iriafen entered the portal with a no-contact tag, meaning the honorable mention All-American likely has already decided where she’s transferring.
Kate Paye, VanDerveer’s successor after serving as a Cardinal assistant since 2007, already inherited a program that is losing two-time All-American Cameron Brink to the WNBA and Hannah Jump to graduation. Iriafen also is set to graduate this spring, in her third year, and is eligible to transfer by pursuing a master’s degree at another school.
Iriafen, who was the Pac-12’s most improved player this season, will be a Player of the Year candidate wherever she lands. The 6-foot-3 forward was the Cardinal’s leading scorer this season and had a breakout postseason. She scored 41 points to help the Cardinal beat Iowa State in overtime and advance into the Sweet 16, and averaged 24 points and 11.5 rebounds in six Pac-12 and NCAA Tournament games overall.
Iriafen was among the Stanford players who attended VanDerveeer’s retirement announcement on Wednesday. When asked after the press conference if she planned to return to Stanford, she answered with a shrug.
Iriafen’s departure would leave Elena Bosgana and Talana Lepolo as the lone returning starters from this season’s team that went 30-6.
Earlier this week, Stanford was listed as one of the top landing spots for Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen, the nation’s No. 3 leading scorer this season, according to a report by EJ Arrow.