UCLA PG Kiki Rice is on the Path to Greatness With Bloodlines That Run Deep
UCLA Bruins point guard Kira Carroll “Kiki” Rice is destined for greatness. It literally runs in her blood.
Her aunt is esteemed international diplomat Susan Rice, who has previously served this country as US Ambassador to the United Nations, US National Security Advisor, and Director of the Domestic Policy Council.
Kiki Rice’s cousin is two-time NBA All-Star Allan Houston.
“I have a ton of really incredible people in my family and my aunt, Susan- she’s one of the most important figures in my life,” Rice said to R.org at Big Ten Media Day.
“She’s been so supportive. She comes to a ton of our games, just one of our biggest fans. And to have her there supporting me, despite all the work and everything that she has going on, it’s been really cool to see.
“And just for her to be a great representation of a really strong, powerful woman, it’s been something that I’ve always looked up to.”
Rice, a consensus top 10 prospect in next spring’s WNBA Draft, discussed her relationship with her cousin as well.
“He’s an incredible athlete, and we actually saw him last year when we were playing in the Bay, playing Creighton at one of our tournaments, and he happened to be coming through the gym, doing something at the (Golden State) Warriors facility.
“So he talked to our team and that was really cool for everyone, and for myself as well. To have have that experience, to be able to talk to him, bounce ideas off of him, and to kind of have those resources is really special for me.”
Bright Future For Rice
Her high potential for greatness goes beyond her bloodlines, as Rice came to UCLA as the highest-rated recruit in program history. She was also the top-rated recruit in her high school graduating class, sweeping all of the national awards for prep-level players.
On Halloween of 2022, she became the first athlete to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness deal with the Jordan Brand. In the season-opening 77-53 win over San Diego State on Tuesday, she scored 10 points, registered a team high (tied) five assists, and collected four rebounds.
It was an emphatic beginning to what will undoubtedly be the most hyped up season in UCLA women’s basketball history. The Bruins are currently ranked #3 in the AP poll, and are coming off the program’s first-ever Final Four appearance last season.
UCLA coach Cori Close often emphasizes the principles of abundance and scarcity. They obviously have an overabundance of talent. Just look at their roster, and you’ll see McDonald’s All-Americans everywhere.
Take a look at any WNBA mock draft, and you’ll see at least three or four Bruins projected to go in the first round.
No other team comes close.
As for scarcity, well, there is just one basketball, at all times, for everybody to share. Close did say that there was a point last year where maybe people weren’t as selfless as they actually needed to be.
Rice addressed these concerns at Media Day:
“I have no doubt that this group will be able to do that throughout the year. We have so many incredible, selfless players, and I think that’s one of the sticking points of our identity, it’s going to be how we come together and want to see everyone else shine.
“And I think we have so many unselfish players, and we’re such a complete group, I think we’ll have a pretty easy time sharing the ball and just making sure everyone’s involved.”
Caitlin Clark Effect
These days, whenever you’re talking about high-level women’s basketball, you have to mention the Caitlin Clark effect. The WNBA, and women’s basketball itself, is currently at popularity levels never before seen.
Clark, who played her college ball at Iowa (in the Big Ten), is one of the main reasons why.
“Caitlin has done so much to grow the game,” Rice said.
“And I think every player should be really thankful for all that she’s done to grow our game, to bring more eyeballs to our game, because that’s what it’s about- expanding the game and kind of growing this platform.”
“I think it’s a pivotal time for women’s basketball, and the WNBA is really skyrocketing right now.”
Another Final Four would be welcome for UCLA, but the ambitions are clear. It’s national championship or bust in Westwood, California.
These are very realistic expectations, given how much talent they have. And in Rice, they have a genuine winner.
Upon graduation from high school, Rice was awarded Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year, Gatorade National Player of the Year, Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year, and Naismith Prep Player of the Year honors. She has also won four gold medals for the U.S. National Team.
Clearly, Rice is continuing her family’s tradition of tremendous achievement.