The Toronto Tempo, an expansion team joining the WNBA for the upcoming season, selected UCLA point guard Kiki Rice with the sixth overall pick in the 2026 draft. Rice, a key player in UCLA's first-ever NCAA women's basketball championship, is expected to become a cornerstone for the Tempo as they enter their inaugural campaign.
Core Facts:
- The Toronto Tempo drafted UCLA's Kiki Rice sixth overall, marking their first-ever selection in franchise history.
- Rice, a 22-year-old guard, led UCLA to the NCAA title and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Deeper Dive & Context:
Rice's Background and Achievements
Rice, a 5-foot-11 guard, has been a standout player since high school, winning multiple national player of the year awards and helping Team USA secure four gold medals. At UCLA, she improved her outside shooting and free-throw accuracy, hitting 90% from the line this season. Her all-around game includes scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals, making her a versatile addition to the Tempo.
UCLA's Historic Draft Performance
The 2026 WNBA draft marked a historic moment for UCLA, as five of its players were selected in the first round, surpassing the previous record set by UConn in 2002. Lauren Betts, the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament, was drafted fourth by the Washington Mystics. Gabriela Jaquez went fifth to the Chicago Sky, while Angela Dugalic was picked ninth by the Mystics. Gianna Kneepkens rounded out the Bruins' historic draft class at No. 15, joining the Connecticut Sun.
Toronto Tempo's Strategy
The Tempo, joining the league alongside the Portland Fire, opted for Rice as their franchise's first-ever draft pick. The team is banking on her leadership and championship experience to help establish a winning culture in their debut season. Rice's ability to attack the paint and her improved shooting make her a dynamic offensive threat.
Reactions and Implications
Rice expressed excitement about joining the Tempo, calling it a "dream opportunity" to help grow the franchise. The draft also highlighted the depth of talent in UCLA's program, with multiple players earning high draft positions. The Tempo's selection of Rice signals their commitment to building a competitive roster from the start.