The Mystics’ top two draft picks continue to impress.
Washington Mystics rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen have emerged as formidable contenders for the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year award, challenging early favorite Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings.
Citron, the third overall pick from Notre Dame, has been a standout performer, averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Her shooting efficiency is notable, with a 47.2 percent field goal percentage, 40.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 90.9 percent from the free-throw line, placing her near the elite 50/40/90 shooting club . Citron’s consistent scoring and versatility have been instrumental in the Mystics’ competitive start to the season.
Iriafen, selected fourth overall from USC, has been equally impressive, averaging a double-double with 13.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Her rebounding prowess ranks her among the league’s top, and she has recorded double-digit points in each of her first seven games . Iriafen’s strong interior presence and defensive capabilities have solidified her role as a key contributor for Washington.
While Bueckers remains the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and is now averaging 14.7 points per game, Citron and Iriafen’s performances have been in the conversation throughout the first few games of the season. Their immediate impact and significant playing time have not only bolstered the Mystics’ lineup but also intensified the competition for the league’s top rookie honor.
As the 2025 WNBA season progresses, the continued development and contributions of Citron and Iriafen will be pivotal in determining the Rookie of the Year race. Their emergence underscores the depth and talent of the 2025 draft class, making this year’s competition for the award more interesting than initially thought.