SAD News: coach Lincoln Riley announced his departure today with a talented star player relocating to….

Kiki Iriafen is swapping her Stanford Jersey for USC after a breakout junior year season. The Los Angeles native is making a grand entrance back to her hometown after a remarkable run, averaging 19.4 points and 11 rebounds per game. As a standout forward, Iriafen had already made a name for herself with her remarkable skills on the court, but her move to USC signaled a new chapter in her collegiate career. “What an exciting ride it’s been to play for Stanford and also earn my Degree from such a prestigious institution,” Iriafen captioned on Instagram. “So much growth, joy, and love this season. I wouldn’t trade my junior year for anything.”

Throughout the years, we’ve seen a rise in star athletes participating in transfer portals, such as Allisha Gray, Kaela Davis, and, more recently, Angel Reese and Te-Hina Paopao. The transfer portal allows student-athletes to place their names in an online database and express their desire to transfer. This transfer highlights Iriafen’s desire for new challenges and underscores new exposure to college basketball. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be coached by a legendary coach and to be mentored by a great team of staff and coaches,” she says. “I will forever be appreciative of all you have done for me.”

PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 29: Kiki Iriafen #44 of the Stanford Cardinal drives past River Baldwin #1 of the NC State Wolfpack during the second half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 29, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

Joining USC will give Iriafen a fresh platform to showcase her talents and develop her game under a new team. With her exceptional versatility, scoring ability, and defense, she’s quickly become a pivotal player to watch and has the potential to be the No. 1 draft pick in the 2025 WNBA. With each game, Iriafen solidified her status as a generational talent poised to leave a memorable mark on the sport.

Entering the transfer portal can be a pivotal moment in an athlete’s career, offering a chance to reassess goals and pursue new opportunities. For Iriafen, the move to USC represents a strategic choice to position herself for success both on and off the court. Returning to her hometown and joining a program on the rise, she raises USC’s chances of competing for championships as she embarks on a new chapter.

Her talent and potential have already captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, and now she has the chance to fulfill those expectations on a bigger stage. “To my teammates, you guys are my sisters for life! I will cherish our time together forever; you all are the best part of my Stanford experience,” she says. “Lastly, to the amazing fans, thank you for supporting and celebrating me this season.”

About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.

At the Barclays Center in the “Mecca of Basketball,” New York City, Jordan Brand Classic held its own All-Star game featuring the best highschool players across the country. Since 2022, the All-Star game is an opportunity to celebrate the culture of basketball and its next generation of players as they were shooting threes, running plays, and catching rebounds.

Jordan Brand Classic is always ensuring the future of the game is solidified with the best they have to offer. The tournament featured girls and boys teams playing against each other with the names “Team Air” and “Team Flight.” In the crowd sat NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Aaron Judge watching the futures of the students come to fruition right before them. Both the girls and boys teams played with the fervor of an NBA draft-pick.

During the game, guests had the opportunity to experience the Jordan XXXIX or Jordan 39s for the first time since NBA star Paolo Bancero debuted them at the first round of the NBA playoffs. It’ll be released in nine colorways of Sol on July 2, Lumiere on August 6, University, Croix, Baron, Guo Pe, Heritage, Style, and Noir. JBC constantly aspires, every year, to push the brand to release a shoe better than the last from performance to quality. This sneaker is no exception with the launch color Sol translating to foundation in French. The Jordan Brand Classic builds off of a solid foundation of the 39s made with the same technology in Olympic long distance runner Eulid Kipchoge’s Nike Zoom Vapors.

“It’s an honor to represent the Jordan family in wearing the Air Jordan 39s for our first playoff series of my career,” Banchero tells GU. “MJ’s legacy is rooted in historic playoff performances, and to have the opportunity to honor that in unveiling the 39’s is truly special for me.” This new shoe and the All-Star game represented the feeling of possibility. While the sneakers may not make you play “Like Mike,” embracing your own talents and leaning on your intuition wherever you aspire to be in school, work, or the future is the Air Jordan culture. One of the girl’s team players Kiyomi McMiller, exuded that confidence needed on the court had proven herself to the brand and signed a name, image, and likeness deal with Jordan.

During the girl’s halftime show, Brookynite Lola Brooke took over the court with her viral hits “Don’t Play With It” and “Here I Come.” As one last three was made, Dylan Harper’s fourth of the night, on the boy’s “Team Flight,” the courts cleared after the crowds cheers and rappers Cash Cobain and Veeze made their way to the makeshift stage. The catchy flows of “Fisherrr” and “Get Lucki” that are taking over the summer’s top song status were performed with the Jumpman logo overhead, signaling the brand’s ubiquitous standards throughout the night.