The 2026 WNBA Draft had a distinct blue and gold hue, as the UCLA Bruins made history with three consecutive selections. The streak culminated with star guard Kiki Rice being taken sixth overall by the expansion Toronto Tempo, immediately following teammates Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez off the board.

Rice's selection is a landmark moment for both player and franchise, as she becomes the first-ever draft pick for the new Toronto team. It's a fitting honor for a player who became the heart and soul of the UCLA program, helping lead the Bruins to their historic first NCAA championship this past season.

Her senior year was a masterpiece of perseverance and growth. Bouncing back from an injury in her junior season, Rice averaged a career-high 14.9 points per game while shooting an efficient 49% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. Beyond her scoring, she was a tenacious defender, averaging 1.5 steals per game and serving as a coach on the floor for head coach Cori Close.

Rice's legacy at UCLA is defined by loyalty and leadership. As one of the program's longest-tenured players, she resisted transfer portal temptations and developed into the cornerstone of a title-winning team. Her work ethic and all-around game made her an obvious target for a Toronto franchise looking to build a winning culture from the ground up.

Now, Rice heads to a Tempo backcourt looking to establish its identity. She will compete for minutes alongside established guards like Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes, bringing her championship pedigree and two-way versatility to a new city hungry for a winner. For Toronto, selecting Kiki Rice isn't just about adding a talented player—it's about drafting a proven winner to help set the foundation for the future.