Kiki Rice | Guard | UCLA – Team NIL Amount, Net Worth, Player Information, Stats

Kiki Rice has quickly become a standout guard for the UCLA Bruins, showing impressive skills on both ends of the basketball court. Her ability to score, distribute the ball, and rebound makes her one of the most complete players in women’s college basketball today.

During the 2023-24 season, she recorded a triple-double, marking just the tenth in UCLA program history, and she continues to be a vital part of the team’s offense and defense.

Statistic	2023-24 Season
Points per game	12.9
Assists per game	4.5
Rebounds per game	5.9
Steals per game	1.6
Triple-doubles	1

Looking ahead to the 2026 draft, Rice’s all-around play and leadership give her a strong case as a future WNBA pick. Her stats and performance for UCLA show she has the talent and work ethic to succeed at the next level, making her a player to watch as she continues her college career.

For career highlights, latest news, and more detailed stats, visit Kiki Rice’s ESPN player profile.

Kiki Rice: Player Profile

Kiki Rice is an impactful guard for the UCLA Bruins, known for her athletic ability and leadership on the basketball court. She has built a strong reputation through consistent performance, balancing excellence in both academics and sports.

Background and Early Life

Kira Carroll “Kiki” Rice was born on January 14, 2004, in Bethesda, Maryland. Coming from a family with a rich history in athletics, she grew up surrounded by sports and competition.

Her mother was a standout college athlete, and her father played basketball as well.

Kiki learned about dedication and teamwork at a young age. These traits helped her focus as she started playing basketball in local Maryland leagues.

Her early exposure to high-level training shaped her into a disciplined and determined athlete.

With her blend of skill, drive, and solid family support, Kiki was quickly seen as a player to watch in the country. She drew interest from top basketball programs long before reaching high school.

High School Career

Kiki Rice attended Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., where she became one of the top high school basketball players in the nation. She led her team to an undefeated season and a national championship, earning national recognition.

During her high school years, Kiki regularly put up high-scoring games and dominated on defense. Her ability to take over in big moments made her a standout among her peers.

She was named the 2022 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year and earned McDonald’s and Jordan Brand All-American honors.

Her development at Sidwell showed her court vision, quick first step, and the ability to create scoring chances for herself and her teammates. These qualities made her a highly ranked recruit and a natural fit for elite college programs.

Personal Achievements

At UCLA, Kiki Rice has continued to show leadership both on and off the court. She averaged 12.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, while posting a 48.5% field goal percentage. She also recorded the tenth triple-double in UCLA women’s basketball history.

Statistic	2024-25 Season
Points Per Game	12.8
Rebounds Per Game	3.5
Assists Per Game	5.0
Field Goal %	48.5%
Height	5’11”

Kiki’s academic record is just as strong. She is a communications major with a 3.85 GPA and earned Academic All-America First Team honors at UCLA, which is recognized as the top public university in the country.

With her well-rounded skill set, strong passing, and proven success in high-pressure situations, Kiki Rice stands out among college basketball student-athletes and projects as a smart draft pick for the WNBA in 2026.

Her combination of offense, defense, academics, and leadership makes her a valued prospect for any professional team. For more information on her latest UCLA stats and achievements, visit her UCLA Athletics profile and ESPN player page.

Guard Position and Playing Style

Kiki Rice plays the guard position for UCLA, standing out for her advanced skill set on both offense and defense. She brings a strong presence on the court by combining scoring, rebounding, and playmaking with defensive effort.

On-Court Skills and Strengths

Rice is a quick and agile guard who is comfortable handling the ball and running an offense. Her court vision allows her to find open teammates, while her ability to read defenses sets her apart from other guards in her class.

She has a tight dribble and can change direction fast, which helps her beat defenders off the dribble or find space to shoot. When pressure builds, Rice keeps her poise and makes smart decisions.

Rebounding is another area where she stands out. She’s known to crash the boards, often getting second-chance opportunities despite her position. Her basketball IQ, quick reflexes, and athleticism make her a reliable asset for the Bruins.

Key Skills Table

Skill	Level
Ball Handling	Excellent
Court Vision	Advanced
Passing	Strong
Rebounding	Above Average
Decision Making	High

Scoring and Offensive Impact

Rice can score from multiple spots on the court, making her hard to guard. She is skilled at driving to the rim, using her quick first step to get past defenders.

Her mid-range jumper is consistent, and she continues to develop a reliable three-point shot.

She often leads UCLA in scoring, posting several season-high performances against top teams. Her scoring ability, mixed with solid rebounding for a guard, shows her value in transition and half-court sets.

When it comes to creating offense, Rice is strong at drawing contact and finishing through fouls. She also sets up teammates with smart entry passes and lob feeds that turn into easy buckets. Her all-around offensive game gives the Bruins an edge in tight situations.

Defense and Blocks

Defense is another area where Rice makes a mark. She is aggressive on the perimeter, applying constant pressure to opposing guards.

Her quick feet and anticipation lead to steals and fast breaks.

While Rice is not the tallest on the floor, she understands positioning well, which helps her contest shots and get in passing lanes. She occasionally records blocks, showing perfect timing against bigger players.

Her effort on defense is described as relentless. She doesn’t back down from tough matchups and can guard multiple positions when needed. This defensive versatility raises her profile as a draft prospect.

Leadership as a Guard

Kiki Rice sets the tempo for UCLA’s offense and defense. On the floor, she directs teammates and communicates assignments, which is rare for such a young player.

Her leadership is visible in her ability to step up in clutch moments. When the game is tight, Rice calls for the ball and makes plays.

Off the court, she sets the standard in practice, encouraging teammates to improve, stay focused, and put in the work.

Because of her poise, vision, and drive, it’s easy to see why she is considered a likely draft pick in 2026. Her mix of leadership, scoring, and all-around play is exactly what WNBA teams look for in a guard. For more on her background and impact at UCLA, see her UCLA Athletics profile.

UCLA Bruins Women’s Basketball

The UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team combines a strong winning tradition with a focus on player growth and academic excellence.

Under coach Cori Close, the team’s style is defined by discipline and teamwork, with standout leaders like Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez shaping the on-court identity.

Team Overview and Legacy

UCLA’s women’s basketball program is known for its history of success in the Pac-12 and now in the Big Ten Conference. The Bruins have made multiple NCAA tournament runs, often advancing to deep rounds thanks to their tough defense and balanced scoring. Their home games at Pauley Pavilion draw large crowds, giving the team a major home-court advantage.

The program places a strong emphasis on both academics and athletics. Players like Kiki Rice have been recognized for achievements in the classroom and on the court. The team’s commitment to building well-rounded players helps attract top high school talent each year.

Notable alumni continue to play in the WNBA and international leagues. UCLA’s culture of hard work and resilience is a point of pride for fans and former players alike.

Head Coach Cori Close

Cori Close has led the UCLA women’s basketball program since 2011. She is known for her player-first approach and ability to develop recruits into team leaders.

Close’s philosophy centers on discipline and preparation, which has helped the Bruins stay competitive against national powerhouses.

Close’s teams are recognized for their physical, defense-driven playing style. She demands intensity on both ends of the floor and builds deep rotations to keep players fresh.

Under her leadership, UCLA has been consistently ranked inside the top 25 and has produced multiple All-Americans.

Close’s influence reaches beyond the court. She challenges her players to excel in academics and leadership, preparing them for life after basketball. This holistic approach is reflected in the team’s high graduation rate and professional success stories.

Notable Teammates

Current teammates like Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez play important roles alongside Kiki Rice. Betts, a versatile forward, leads the team in rebounds and shot-blocking, anchoring the defense. Jaquez, a skilled wing, is known for her scoring ability and hustle plays, helping to energize the Bruins lineup.

This mix of talent has made the Bruins a contender in conference play. Players support each other both on and off the court, fostering a strong sense of unity. The team’s chemistry is evident during close games where leadership and trust become key factors.

Kiki Rice: Player Stats (2024-25 Season)

Stat	Value
Points per game	11.6
Assists per game	3.8
Rebounds per game	4.5
Minutes per game	28.1
Steals per game	1.2

Rice’s consistent production, leadership, and two-way impact make her a compelling WNBA draft prospect for 2026. She combines academic excellence with strong court vision and poise under pressure, traits that translate well to the next level. For more on her collegiate career and honors, visit her official UCLA roster page.

Season Highlights and Key Performances

Kiki Rice’s junior season with the UCLA Bruins featured clutch plays, standout performances, and national attention. Her year was defined by consistency, tough defense, and an ability to shine during high-pressure moments—traits that make her a strong candidate for the 2026 draft.

Game-Winning Moments

Kiki Rice stepped up in late-game situations multiple times this season, delivering when it mattered most. Her quick decision making and ability to drive to the basket led to crucial points in close games.

Against Big Ten rivals, she knocked down free throws in the final seconds, securing wins for her team.

She also displayed poise under pressure, helping UCLA weather tight fourth quarters during conference matchups.

Rice’s court vision allowed her to find open teammates for game-sealing baskets. Her leadership during end-of-game possessions showcased her maturity and basketball IQ.

No moment was too big for Rice. She gave the Bruins confidence in late, high-stakes situations, leaving an impression on coaches and scouts across the league.

Season-High Achievements

This season, Rice reached several individual milestones while continuing to lift her team. She set a season-high mark for free throws made, ending the year with 121 and a 79.1% success rate, the best on the Bruins’ roster according to UCLA Athletics.

Her averages included 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. Rice’s contributions went beyond scoring, impacting every facet of the box score.

She recorded double-digit points in most conference games and often led the team in scoring during tough stretches.

These numbers reflect a player whose influence can’t be captured by points alone. Her versatility and consistency are reasons why she’s caught the eye of draft experts.

Statistic	Value
Free Throws Made	121
Free Throw %	79.1%
Rebounds/Game	4.5
Assists/Game	3.0
Season-High	Double-Digit Points in Most Games

Highlight Reels

Kiki Rice’s season highlights are packed with standout plays that energized the crowd and shifted momentum. She showcased her athleticism with fast breaks, tough layups, and acrobatic finishes at the rim.

Rice’s defensive efforts also appeared in highlight clips—she notched impressive steals and contested shots against top opponents.

Her best moments are featured in NCAA tournament highlights, showing sharp ball handling under pressure and relentless effort on both ends. Reels from key games put Rice’s leadership and composure on display, underlining her reputation as a clutch performer.

Her tape shows a player who contributes on both sides of the floor, making her a well-rounded prospect for the next level.

Media and News Coverage

Kiki Rice received significant attention from national outlets throughout her junior campaign. She was a key force in UCLA’s historic 27-2 Big Ten season, and her performance earned her a place as a Nancy Lieberman Award finalist, a recognition given to top point guards in the country.

Major platforms like ESPN and Sports Illustrated regularly featured Rice in season-long coverage, tracking her stats and progress. Analysts pointed to her efficiency, defensive instincts, and leadership as evidence of her draft potential.

Her consistent news presence and accolades confirm her status as a must-watch player for the 2026 draft.

NCAA Tournament and March Madness Success

Kiki Rice’s presence on the court played a major role in UCLA’s deep tournament runs. Her ability to generate offense, distribute the ball, and lead in high-pressure moments made her a standout figure during March Madness.

Sweet 16 and Elite Eight Appearances

During her collegiate career, Rice helped lead UCLA to multiple NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 and Elite Eight appearances.

Each step, she improved her play—raising her scoring average and showcasing her commitment on defense.

Rice’s stats in these crucial rounds highlight her all-around game. She averaged more than 16 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds per contest in Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games. Her quick decision-making and poise were noticeable during critical fourth-quarter possessions.

Opponents struggled to contain her off the dribble. Rice also limited turnovers, demonstrating maturity beyond her years. She became a major reason why UCLA advanced as far as it did in these key rounds of March Madness.

Final Four Pursuit

Rice played one of her best games when UCLA made a push toward the Final Four. Her leadership, both on and off the floor, helped the team maintain composure during tight matchups.

Rice averaged 7.3 assists per game in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, ranking among the top playmakers in the nation, according to recent coverage. Her passing vision allowed teammates to find open looks at crucial moments.

While UCLA aimed for its first ever women’s Final Four appearance, Rice sparked the offense and defended some of the opposing team’s best players. Her performance set her apart as a top guard to watch at the national level.

Role in Team’s March Madness Journey

Rice’s role in UCLA’s March Madness journey was clear: she was the team’s engine. When games heated up, she took the lead, often handling the ball in the closing minutes.

She balanced scoring with unselfish play, frequently setting up her teammates for high-percentage shots. Rice’s defensive reads and fast-break decisions changed momentum in more than one contest.

Below is a table of her NCAA Tournament stats:

Stat Category	2025 NCAA Tournament (per game)
Points	16.5
Assists	7.3
Rebounds	5.2
Steals	1.8
Turnovers	1.9

Given her ability to raise her level in key situations and perform under pressure, Rice stands out as an ideal draft pick for 2026. Her blend of skills, decision-making, and composure on big stages will translate well to the WNBA.

Championship Ambitions and Achievements

Kiki Rice has established herself as one of UCLA’s standout guards, poised to leave a lasting impact on college basketball. Her clear skill, consistent performance, and team leadership set her apart as a top player in the nation.

All-Pac-12 Honors

Rice earned attention early in her college career, quickly becoming a regular in All-Pac-12 discussions. In her time at UCLA, she has been named to the All-Pac-12 Team, reflecting both her individual skill and her importance to the team’s success.

Coaches and analysts have noted her ability to control the pace of the game, defend multiple positions, and step up in key moments. Her basketball IQ and court vision often help her stand out among top guards in the Pac-12.

Below is a table showing some of her key season statistics:

Season	Points per Game	Assists	Rebounds	Steals	FG%
2023-24	14.3	4.7	5.2	1.6	42.1
2024-25*	15.8	5.1	5.7	1.8	43.9

*Projected

Rice’s honors in the Pac-12 reflect her strong skill set and reliability under pressure.

NCAA Championship Aspirations

UCLA consistently enters the postseason with high expectations, and Rice’s leadership remains at the core of that ambition. She plays a key role in tournament games, delivering clutch performances that help push the Bruins deeper each March.

Teammates and coaches often speak about Rice’s focused mindset as the team eyes the NCAA championship. Her game management, sharp passing, and timely scoring have repeatedly swung momentum in UCLA’s favor during big games.

The postseason is where Rice’s competitive drive shines most clearly. In single elimination play, her composure and versatility become vitally important, and the team’s recent tournament runs owe much to her steady hand at point guard.

National Championship Goals

Winning a national championship remains the top priority for Rice and the UCLA women’s basketball team. Rice’s background with Team USA—where she led her squad to a gold medal and was named MVP at the U18 Americas Championship—has given her vital experience in high stakes situations.

She translates leadership from national play directly to college basketball. The expectation for the Bruins this year is clear: to contend for a national title. Rice’s mix of defensive intensity, efficient scoring, and playmaking ability make her a central piece in this goal.

Looking ahead, these qualities and her consistent improvement are reasons scouts consider her a top draft pick for 2026. She offers pro-ready defense, vision, and grit that align with what WNBA teams look for in a top guard.

Key Matchups and Rivals

Kiki Rice’s presence at guard has shaped some of UCLA’s biggest games. Her matchups against USC, Stanford, and UConn have showcased her leadership, skill, and ability to perform under pressure.

USC Rivalry

USC remains one of UCLA’s fiercest rivals, and Kiki Rice has often been at the center of these high-intensity games. When the Bruins meet the Trojans, the energy is elevated, and every possession counts.

Rice’s quick decision-making and defensive awareness have stood out during these matchups.

Rice’s scoring and assist totals versus USC hint at her big-moment ability. These rivalry games have seen her deliver key baskets late in the fourth quarter, control the pace, and pressure USC guards into mistakes.

Her ability to adapt to USC’s aggressive defense means she’s usually breaking through traps and getting her teammates involved.

Each contest with USC carries stakes for both conference rankings and pride. Rice’s composure is notable; she doesn’t shy away from physical play and often orchestrates crucial runs. She also motivates her teammates to match her work rate.

• Notable stat: Double-digit scoring in four of her last five games vs. USC
• Impact: Creates problems for USC’s guards with her drives and passing vision

Stanford Encounters

Stanford is a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, making every UCLA-Stanford matchup a major event. Rice’s performances against the Cardinal have been vital, especially during tournament games.

She scored 22 points with five assists and five rebounds in a huge win over top-seeded Stanford in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinal (details).

Her efficiency was striking, shooting 7-for-8 from the field. She navigated Stanford’s strong defense with sharp dribble moves and smart decision-making.

These encounters have tested her playmaking under pressure, and Rice has responded with mature, balanced play.

Playing Stanford means facing elite defenders and post players, but Rice keeps control. Her ability to read Stanford’s traps and find open shooters underlines her basketball IQ.

Performance summary:

Game	Points	Assists	Rebounds	FG%
Pac-12 Semis	22	5	5	87.5%
Reg. Season avg	16	4	5	51.2%

Clashes with UConn

Competing against UConn has tested Rice against one of the nation’s most prestigious programs. These games are showcase opportunities, often featuring high stakes and national media attention.

UConn’s reputation for disciplined defense means the guard matchups are particularly challenging for Rice.

She’s demonstrated poise even when UConn applies full-court pressure. In recent meetings, Rice has handled double-teams by keeping her dribble alive and finding cutters and shooters in rhythm.

Her ability to pace the offense helps prevent turnovers and keeps UCLA close late into games.

While UConn often sends its best defenders to slow her down, Rice’s strength in the lane and mid-range game have led to important buckets. These clashes also help solidify her candidacy as a top WNBA draft pick in 2026 because she holds her own against some of the best college players.

• Important note: Consistent performance vs. top competition
• Draft outlook: Elite ball-handling, decision-making, and history of big plays in national spotlight games make Rice a strong 2026 WNBA Draft prospect