Kiki Rice holds her place at No. 5 in last WNBA mock draft by the Athletic

Kiki Rice holds steady at No. 5 in The Athletic’s final WNBA mock draft before Monday. Rice was previously listed at No. 5 after surging up draft boards throughout the season. She seems very likely to fall in that top five range. After improving on her game at every level, her senior season. She is very good on defense, she can shoot the ball and she can rebound and pass. If she goes at this pick to the Chicago Sky, they will be getting a great player.

Rice was phenomenal in her four years for UCLA. She started off very hesitant to shoot the ball but over time she built confidence and became one of the best guards in the nation. All ending in a championship run for the UCLA Bruins in 2026. Her legacy that she left on UCLA will last forever and helped her become a top WNBA Draft pick. She will immediately step in and play either the point guard or shooting guard role.

Four years ago, Rice would not have been able to play a combo guard position. Her shot really struggled as she was stepping into college. But through hard work and Cori Close coaching, Rice expanded her game and now is a legit two-way player. She can lock up on defense some of the best players on the floor as well as go and get you 15 points. Not many players in this draft have a skill set like her.

It has been fascinating to watch her growth throughout her UCLA career. It will be cool to hear her name called on draft night. Most mock drafts had her around the 8-10 range at the beginning of the season. Now to go in the top five is absolutely amazing in what she has accomplished as a player. Her instincts on defense maybe the best in the draft at the guard position. As her play helped lead UCLA to one of the best defenses of all time this year.