The Toronto Tempo has made history by selecting their first-ever player in the WNBA Draft. On Monday, Kiki Rice, a standout guard from UCLA, was picked sixth overall by Canada's newly established WNBA franchise during the 2026 Draft.
Kiki Rice, who has completed her senior season, delivered impressive statistics over 38 games, averaging 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Her performance was integral to the UCLA Bruins' journey to clinching a national championship, showcasing not just her scoring ability, but also her all-around game. Throughout the season, Rice achieved impressive shooting percentages, hitting 49 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from three-point range, and an outstanding 90.2 percent from the free-throw line.
In the draft, Rice became the third consecutive UCLA player to be selected, reinforcing the program’s strong presence in women's college basketball. She followed the selections of Lauren Betts, who was picked by the Washington Mystics, and Gabriela Jaquez, selected by the Chicago Sky.
At just 22 years old, Rice brings a wealth of accolades to the Toronto Tempo. Her distinguished resume includes being named a 2025-26 All-American, earning two All-Big Ten honors, and being recognized as the 2025-26 Big Ten All-Defensive Team member. Additionally, she was awarded the MVP title for the 2025-26 Big Ten tournament, further solidifying her status as a top-tier player entering the professional ranks.
With Rice's addition, the Toronto Tempo bolsters a roster that is still in its early development stages. However, the squad is already filled with promising guard talent. Earlier in the offseason, the Tempo secured veteran guards Marina Mabrey and Julie Allemand through the expansion draft. Furthermore, they signed Brittney Sykes as a free agent, creating a competitive backcourt for the upcoming season.
Following Rice’s selection, the Toronto Tempo still has three picks left to make in the 2026 Draft. They hold two second-round selections, at Nos. 22 and 26, as well as a third-round pick at No. 36. This provides the franchise an opportunity to further enrich its roster, as they look to establish themselves within the WNBA.
The addition of Kiki Rice is seen as a strategic move for the Tempo, aiming to build a foundation of talented players who can contribute to the team's success. With a combination of youth and experience already on the roster, the Tempo is setting the stage for what could be an exciting season ahead.
