Cameron Brink made her feelings clear after learning Los Angeles was awarded the second overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, with the prospect of her joining forces with former teammate Kiki Iriafen on the Sparks ever more clear.
Coming into the WNBA Draft lottery, the Sparks had the best odds of winning the first overall pick by way of having the worst record in the 2024 season and also having one of the worst records the previous season. However, it was the Dallas Wings who won the draft lottery, winning the Paige Bueckers sweepstakes at the same time.
Considering how the Sparks were long projected to have the first pick, Los Angeles being saddled with the second selection certainly was a surprise for the team. That was made clear in a video circulating social media, which showed Brink, fellow star Dearica Hamby, Azura Stevens, and Rae Burrell reacting to the news.
The Sparks held a draft lottery viewing party in Long Beach, California, to commemorate what would have been a joyous occasion, had the franchise been awarded the pick. However, once it was announced the Sparks were awarded the second pick, Brinks jaw immediately dropped in surprise.
Hamby also was left stunned by the announcement with Burrell burying her head in her hands before quickly putting on a smile to hide her disappointment. After a brief moment of stunned silence, a person in the crowd mentioned how Los Angeles now has a chance to draft Iriafen, which led to applause from the Sparks contingent.
For the Sparks, drafting Iriafen sets up a formidable pairing in Los Angeles. Iriafen and Brink have considerable knowledge playing alongside one another, with the duo having played at Stanford for a number of years before Brink was drafted by the Sparks and Iriafen transferred to USC for her final season.
Kiki Iriafen could be college basketballs biggest star, provided she excels playing alongside JuJu Watkins (
Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
During the NCAA tournament, Brink spoke highly of Iriafen and what it meant to play with an imposing presence like her in her final season at Stanford. She is just so strong, [able to] hold her seal but also has this amazing turn and face shot that when teams are being so physical with her, she can just shoot over people, the 22-year-old said, per MSN.
Ive seen it every day, day in and day out. She is just so dedicated to her craft and we have grown really close this year and I just geniunely have so much fun with her every day. We just enjoy playing with each other. Were laughing and she is an All-American in my eyes in every sense.
I could not be more proud of her. I think even last year [2023], she had it in her but being able to showcase her talents and her growth. Mentally, her confidence has grown so much.
With Brink set to return from a torn ACL and Hamby under contract until the end of the 2025 season, Iriafen will have ample time to learn the ropes as she becomes the latest piece of the Sparks talented young core. The triumvirate of Brink, Iriafen and Rickea Jackson is a formidable pairing, at least on paper.
After the lottery results were revealed, Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley explained how the franchise already is in the process of plotting out their draft prospects, with Iriafens potential inclusion. Were happy to have the second pick in next years draft, Pebley said in a statement.
Holding a lottery pick in 2025s deep draft guarantees well be able to add an impactful player to our roster at a pivotal time in our history. Our staff is already hard at work exploring all our options in the lottery and with our three picks.