USC's JuJu Watkins hilariously reacts to her and KiKi Iriafen's failed handshake attempt 

Kiki Iriafen might significantly help JuJu Watkins on the court this season. However, the two will need to work on their off-court chemistry a little bit more. Iriafen and Watkins appeared on the B1G Basketball Media Days show. As the commentator announced their team-up in the 2024-25 season, the two acknowledged each other.

However, a mixup occurred when one of them initiated a dap-up while the other wanted a fist bump, resulting in a hilarious moment.

"smooth," Watkins reposted.

JuJu Watkins' IG story

Kiki Iriafen joined the Trojans this summer after spending three years at Stanford. She is coming off a breakout season, where she averaged 19.4 points and 11.0 rebounds. Moreover, she joins USC at the time the program was eyeing a star-caliber player to pair up with JuJu Watkins.

The Trojans are coming off a deep NCAA tournament stint, missing the Final Four behind a loss to the UConn Huskies. Watkins scored 29 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in the season-ending loss.

Watkins averaged 27.1 points and 7.3 rebounds, setting the record for most points scored by a freshman ever, 920 last season.

How can Kiki Iriafen help USC and JuJu Watkins?

Even though it had just been one season, Watkins has solidified herself as a scorer. Sure, she had low-scoring days, where she could not touch the 20-point mark seven times and shot less than 37% in 14 games. Kiki Iriafen’s presence will help cut that.

Behind Watkins, USC had no obvious second-scoring option. This would not only pressure the Watkins early in the game but also allow opposing teams to single her out on both ends of the floor.

Kiki Iriafen will not only keep the Trojans’ winning momentum going but could also take significant pressure off JuJu Watkins.

Moreover, as McKenzie Forbes, Kayla Padilla and Kaitlyn Davis exit the program this offseason, Iriafen will be up for filling multiple voids. With plenty of incoming freshmen, she will also dabble in mentorship and be a clear-cut scoring option on the floor.