The Washington Mystics didn’t come into the 2024 season with much external expectation, especially after having three picks in the first round of the WNBA draft. Amidst injuries, a coaching change, and roster reshuffling, three rookies, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Georgia Amoore, are quietly turning heads and giving the franchise something to build around.
After a breakout year at Stanford and an even bigger final season at USC, Iriafen entered the WNBA with a chip on her shoulder. The 6’3 forward has brought exactly what the Mystics needed: toughness, rebounding, and second-chance energy to the floor.
So far in Washington, Iriafen is averaging solid minutes off the bench, and occasionally in starts, while flashing her elite rebounding instincts and ability to finish through contact. What stands out most is her hustle and heart. Whether it’s battling for boards, sealing defenders, or running the floor in transition, Iriafen rarely takes a play off.
Even on a Mystics team struggling for wins, Iriafen has shown the kind of effort and production that will earn her a long-term role in the league.
Drafted out of Notre Dame, Citron looks like she’s played in the league for years. While the 6’1 guard’s game isn’t loud, it’s steady, built on high basketball IQ, and positionally versatile. Whether she’s knocking down open shots from anywhere on the floor, rotating smartly on defense, or pushing the pace in transition, Citron looks like she belongs.
Citron carved out a role as a reliable two-way player who can guard multiple positions and space the floor on defense, which is no easy feat for a rookie guard adjusting to WNBA speed.
Although sidelined for the entire 2025 season after tearing her ACL in early training camp, Amoore has become a true asset off the court. The first-round pick has found a hybrid player-coach role, studying film, preparing post-game breakdowns, and offering real-time insights during games. Her upbeat energy on the bench, basketball IQ, and resilience have boosted team morale and earned her praise across the locker room, making her a strong candidate for a leadership role in the future.
While wins have been hard to come by, the early-season development of Iriafen and Citron is one of the Mystics’ brightest spots. Both players offer something Washington has sorely lacked in recent years: youth, upside, and a willingness to play hard every possession.
Their chemistry, both on and off the court, including Amoore leading from the sidelines, has also been evident. Whether it’s running pick-and-rolls, crashing the glass, or lifting each other up after tough plays, the trio has brought fresh energy to a Mystics team in transition.
If Washington is serious about rebuilding, Citron, Amoore, and Iriafen give them a foundation worth investing in. While it’s still early, both players are proving that they weren’t just good draft picks; they’re potential franchise pieces.
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