Tempo selects NCAA champion guard Kiki Rice sixth in WNBA draft

With the recent expansion of the WNBA, the Toronto Tempo has made a significant mark by selecting standout guard Kiki Rice with their first-ever draft pick. This move not only highlights Rice's impressive collegiate career but also sets the stage for the team's ambitious goals as they prepare for their inaugural season.

Toronto Tempo's historic draft pick

The Toronto Tempo has entered the WNBA scene with a bold move by selecting Kiki Rice as the sixth overall pick in the 2026 draft. This selection marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, which is eager to establish itself in a league filled with talent and competitive spirit.

Rice, who stands at 5-foot-11, is celebrated for her exceptional performance at UCLA. During her time with the Bruins, she played a crucial role in leading her team to the Final Four in 2025 and clinching the national championship in 2026. Her leadership and skill on the court have made her a standout player, garnering attention from fans and scouts alike.

Kiki Rice's impressive collegiate career

Throughout her college years, Kiki Rice demonstrated remarkable talent and determination. She was not only a semi-finalist for the prestigious Naismith Trophy, awarded to the national player of the year, but also contended for the Nancy Lieberman Award, which recognizes the best point guard in the nation.

Her statistics speak volumes about her abilities:

• Assist-to-turnover ratio: Ranked eighth in the NCAA with a 2.5 ratio.
• Scoring average: Achieved a career-high average of 14.9 points per game.
• Rebounding: Averaged 5.9 rebounds per game, showcasing her versatility on the court.

Rice's ability to balance scoring and playmaking has made her a valuable asset to her team as well as a promising prospect for the WNBA.

Anticipation and excitement for the new chapter

During a live TV interview following her selection, Rice expressed her enthusiasm for joining the Tempo. Although she had never visited Toronto before, her eagerness to connect with her new teammates and the organization was palpable. She stated, “Really excited to get out there, get to work, get to meet everyone on the team.”

Her excitement reflects the ambition of the Toronto Tempo as they look to build a competitive team right from the start. The organization has made it clear that they are committed to developing a strong roster capable of making an immediate impact in the league.

UCLA dominance in the draft

Kiki Rice's selection is part of a larger trend in the 2026 WNBA draft, where UCLA had an impressive showing. The Bruins had three players chosen in succession, with Rice being the sixth overall pick followed closely by her teammates Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez, who were selected fourth and fifth, respectively. This accomplishment highlights UCLA's status as a powerhouse in women's basketball.

In total, five UCLA players were chosen in the first round, including:

• Lauren Betts - 4th overall by the Washington Mystics
• Gabriela Jaquez - 5th overall by the Chicago Sky
• Angela Dugalic - 9th overall by the Washington Mystics
• Gianna Kneepkens - 15th overall by the Connecticut Sun

This remarkable feat demonstrates not only the talent coming out of UCLA but also the increasing recognition of women's collegiate basketball on a national scale.

Overall draft insights and expansion dynamics

The 2026 WNBA Draft was a whirlwind event, particularly for the newly established teams like the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. The Dallas Wings, who held the first overall pick for the second consecutive year, selected Azzi Fudd from the University of Connecticut. Other notable selections included:

• Olivia Miles - 2nd overall by the Minnesota Lynx
• Awa Fam Thiam - 3rd overall by the Seattle Storm
• Iyana Martín Carrión - 7th overall by the Portland Fire

The Tempo still has more opportunities to strengthen their roster, as they hold additional picks in the draft at No. 22, No. 26 (via New York), and No. 36. This depth in the draft allows them to continue building a competitive team for the upcoming season.

Challenges of a compressed offseason

Entering the league as an expansion team comes with a unique set of challenges. The offseason has been particularly compressed due to lengthy negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players' association. This delay has resulted in a tight timeline for teams to prepare for various activities:

• Expansion draft
• Free agency
• College draft
• Training camps

The Tempo secured their initial roster by acquiring 11 players during the expansion draft held on April 3, and they further bolstered their team by signing experienced WNBA veterans such as Brittney Sykes and Isabelle Harrison during free agency.

Looking ahead: Training camp and season opener

The Tempo's training camp is set to commence on April 19, where the newly formed team will come together to prepare for their debut season. With the season's tipoff scheduled for May 8, the Tempo is racing against the clock to ensure they are ready to compete with established franchises in the WNBA.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Toronto Tempo leverages Kiki Rice's talents and the depth of their roster to make a name for themselves in the league.