Kiki Rice Christmas time check in after 12 games

Kiki Rice is the engine that keeps the UCLA Bruins offense going. She is healthy this season and she is playing elite basketball. After being hampered by injuries, she is bouncing back and improving her game in her senior season. She is the leading scorer for the Bruins at 15.3 points per game. More importantly is she has shown to be one of, if not the best rebounding point guard in the nation. Currently putting up 7.3 rebounds per night and helping UCLA dominate the boards each game.

Rice helps initiate the offense and get the team into sets. She has improved her game over the last four years from when she began as a freshman starter in 2022. Her shot struggled back then, and she did not have much confidence in long range as she was 21.7% from 3-point range. She started from the moment she got to UCLA and it played off in the long run. As she is now playing the best basketball of her career and doing so at the right time.

Another important aspect is she is a great defender. Being able to guard some of the best players out on the perimeter. She is a very energetic player and does not quit even when screened. Using position and her IQ to be able to guard even forwards. Averaging 1.6 steals per game, she also disrupts passing lanes and gets deflections. UCLA is a very good defensive team and when shots do go up, they will usually grab the misses. Winning most rebounding battles against teams.

Rice has been in the top 10 in some mock drafts. Her veteran experience should be able to slide into a team and help them right away. She has had a great career at UCLA, including the Final Four experience last year. The main goal will be to continue good health for her. She has played through most injuries, but it has affected her in recent years. It will be a sight to see what she can do now at full health and a chase towards a March run.