Kiki Rice Shines Despite Challenges in Rookie Season with Toronto Tempo
Kiki Rice had a notable rookie season with the Toronto Tempo, despite the team's struggles. After being selected in the draft following a coin toss win over Portland, Rice initially faced a tough start with no points in her debut but quickly turned her performance around, scoring in double digits for eight consecutive games.
Throughout her first nine games, Rice averaged 27.10 minutes on the court and contributed significantly to the Tempo's offense, averaging 15.4 points per game during their five victories. However, her season took a downturn after an injury on June 3, which sidelined her for 16 games. Despite this setback, she returned to the court and finished strong, ending the season with a standout 28-point game.
Rice's efforts were recognized when she was named to the 2026 WNBA All-Rookie Team, tying for the fifth selection. As she prepares for the off-season, Rice plans to compete in the Unrivaled league and train with her teammates, emphasizing the importance of confidence and resilience for future rookies.
