The 2026 women’s NCAA Tournament has concluded after a stellar run for UCLA saw the Bruins cut down the nets. Now the tournament’s biggest stars turn their attention to next week’s WNBA Draft, where they’ll be hoping they did enough to impress scouts at the next level.
It’s a quick turnaround after the biggest weekend in college basketball with the 2026 WNBA draft scheduled to take place on April 13. In USA TODAY’s latest mock draft, UCLA’s KiKi Rice is expected to go in the first round. Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the guard’s draft night will play out.
Our draft order factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
KiKi Rice 2026 WNBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 5 overall, Chicago Sky
Hall’s Analysis:
Until veteran Courtney Vandersloot returns, the Sky need a guard who can facilitate, score when needed and defend. Rice, who finished a career year in a UCLA uniform, has proven she can do it all. The senior guard has improved her ability to read opposing defenses, maintain patience with solid footwork and recover in help defense. Rice would also take some pressure off Hailey Van Lith, who struggled during her rookie season.
KiKi Rice player profile
(all stats as of April 9)
- Position: guard
- Current Team: UCLA
- 14.9 points per game
- 5.9 rebounds per game
- 4.3 assists per game
- 49.0% field goal percentage
- 38.5% three-point field goal percentage
Chicago Sky 2026 draft picks
- No. 5 (via CON), No. 21 (via POR) and No. 32
