As the clock ticked down in the first quarter of the 2026 NCAA women's national championship, Kiki Rice delivered a signature moment. Using a screen from Sienna Betts, she drove left, stepped back, and drained a buzzer-beating three-pointer that gave UCLA an 11-point lead over South Carolina. That shot set the tone for a dominant performance, propelling the Bruins to their first NCAA-era national title and never letting the lead slip back into single digits.
Finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, Rice’s all-around excellence earned her a spot on the All-Tournament Team. It was the perfect capstone to a collegiate career that saw her evolve from the highest-ranked recruit in UCLA history into a proven champion and leader.
Now, her moment has arrived. With the 2026 WNBA Draft set for Monday night, Rice is widely projected as a lottery pick, her pro-ready résumé complete with a national championship trophy. Her journey from McDonald's All-American co-MVP to title-winning point guard is a testament to a relentless work ethic that has become legendary within the program.
"Kiki Rice set a new standard for our program," UCLA coach Cori Close said, highlighting the preparation and dedication that have become hallmarks of Rice's game. Teammates consistently point to her tireless work in the weight room, film sessions, and on the court as the driving force behind both her personal growth and the team's success.
This dedication manifested in a stellar senior season where Rice averaged 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals while posting elite 49/38.5/90.2 shooting splits—career highs in nearly every category. Her ability to elevate her game, honed by focusing on a specific skill each offseason, has made her one of the most complete guards in this draft class.
As the basketball world turns its eyes to the draft, Kiki Rice stands ready. She didn't just help win a championship; she built a culture of excellence at UCLA. Now, she's poised to bring that same championship standard to the WNBA.