Toronto Tempo Makes Historic First Draft Pick with UCLA Star Kiki Rice
The Toronto Tempo, one of the WNBA's newest expansion franchises alongside the Portland Fire, has made a significant move by selecting UCLA point guard Kiki Rice as their first-ever draft pick. This selection, made with the sixth overall choice in the 2026 WNBA draft, marks a pivotal moment for the team as they prepare to debut in the upcoming season, which commences in less than a month.
Kiki Rice: A Champion with a Proven Track Record
Kiki Rice, a 22-year-old native of San Francisco, arrives in Toronto with an impressive resume. She recently led the UCLA Bruins to their first NCAA women's basketball championship, fulfilling the high expectations set when she was the highest-ranked recruit in the program's history. At 5-foot-11, Rice is known as a big guard who aggressively attacks the paint and boasts a remarkable 90% free-throw shooting accuracy this season. Her outside shooting has shown consistent improvement throughout her college career, making her a formidable offensive threat.
In the championship game against South Carolina, Rice contributed 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Her accolades extend beyond this season, as she was named to the All-Big Ten First Team, All-Big Ten Defensive Team, and AP All-American Third Team as a senior.
Building a Strong Foundation for the Tempo
The Tempo are strategically assembling a competitive roster, with Rice joining a backcourt that already includes guards Brittney Sykes and Marina Mabrey, both signed to two-year max contracts, along with Julie Allemand. Rice is viewed as a program builder, with UCLA coach Cori Close noting that she set "a new standard for our program." Her family connections add to her profile: her cousin is former New York Knicks star Allan Houston, and her aunt, Susan Rice, has served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and National Security Advisor.
During the draft broadcast, Rice expressed excitement about joining Toronto, mentioning that an uncle lives in the city and she has Canadian relatives, though she has never visited before. "Never been to Toronto, but really excited to get there," she said.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
This draft pick draws parallels to the Toronto Raptors' expansion in 1995, when they selected Damon Stoudamire as their first draft pick, who went on to become the face of the franchise and win Rookie of the Year. The Tempo hope Rice can have a similar impact, providing leadership and skill at the point guard position. The team also held additional picks later in the draft, at 22nd and 26th overall, as they continue to build their inaugural squad.
With Rice's championship experience, defensive prowess, and offensive versatility, the Toronto Tempo are positioning themselves for a strong start in the WNBA, aiming to make a mark in their debut season.
