Kiki Rice steps up and dazzles in Sweet 16 against Minnesota

It seems that each game UCLA has a new player that steps up to lead the team. Against Minnesota in the Sweet 16 that player was Kiki Rice, as she dropped 21 points on 7-12 shooting. She was able to get any shot that she wanted and controlled the game very well. The senior point guard is playing some of her best basketball of the season. As she tries to help lead UCLA to a championship. Then go on to be a top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Rice has been an amazing player for UCLA over her four years at the college. She has improved her game in every aspect on offense and defense. Becoming one of the best guards in the nation, including one of the best rebounders at her position. She sees the floor very well and is an elite defender. It is not out of the question that she could be taken in the top five of the WNBA Draft. Due to her ability to play both ends of the floor at a very high level.

A lot of players in basketball can play one end of the floor very well. Whether it is a very good offensive player or a stingy defender. Rice is equipped with both of those skills and is a floor general. She can get a rebound and get her team out in transition. Saving a pass, which allows them to catch the defense off guard. Similar to what Russell Westbrook can do. If you have a rebounding guard and they can get the rebound. By saving one pass that saves a few seconds of time. It is an underrated skill set that is overlooked.

Rice looks to continue her streak as UCLA rolls into the Elite Eight with a matchup against Duke. The women should be very heavy favorites in that game as they have already beat Duke this season 89-59. But they also know not to overlook a team that looks much different from when they played earlier in the season. Rice will be counted on heavily to lead the team from the point guard position. Setting up the offense and setting the tone on defense to shut down the Duke guards at the top of the perimeter.