What a whirlwind week for UCLA star Kiki Rice. In just eight days, she achieved two of basketball's ultimate dreams: cutting down the nets as a national champion and hearing her name called at the WNBA Draft.
On April 5th, Rice and the UCLA Bruins made history, toppling the mighty South Carolina Gamecocks to claim the program's first NCAA-era national championship. Her stat line in the title game—10 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals—showcased the versatile, team-first play that defines her game.
Then, on April 13th, the expansion Toronto Tempo made Rice the cornerstone of their new franchise, selecting her with the 6th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. It was a monumental moment, and she wasn't celebrating alone.
Sharing in the experience was her boyfriend, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace, who knows a thing or two about championship glory and draft-night emotions. Wallace, the 2023 NBA Draft's 10th pick, won his own title with the Thunder in 2025. He was on hand to capture the moment on his phone as Rice walked the red carpet, beaming with pride. "It's great. Just seeing her have her moment, it's unbelievable," Wallace said.
The couple, who went public after OKC's championship run, have become a notable pair in the sports world, supporting each other at events like The ESPYs and WNBA games. It's a powerful dynamic: two elite athletes at the top of their games, pushing each other to greater heights.
For Rice, the draft marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. The 5'11" guard, who averaged 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists for UCLA last season, is ready to bring her winning mentality to Toronto. "I take a ton of pride in just being the best teammate and figuring out how can I make everyone else better around me," she said after being drafted. "Just really excited to get out there and get to work."
Her arrival is a major part of the Tempo's foundation as they prepare for their inaugural 2026 season alongside fellow expansion team, the Portland Fire. As Rice embarks on her professional journey, Wallace will soon shift his focus to defending the NBA title, with the top-seeded Thunder beginning their playoff run. It's a thrilling time for both athletes, proving that for champions, the pursuit of greatness never stops.