The 2024–25 season marked a historic turning point for the Bruins, and all signs point toward continued ascension
With a strong core returning, elite recruits on the way, and one of the best point guards in the country in Kiki Rice, the program is poised for sustained excellence.
But with success comes scrutiny. Can the Bruins handle the pressure? Can the newcomers adapt quickly? Can Rice take her game—and her leadership—to a national title level?
Those questions will be answered in time. For now, one thing is clear: UCLA women’s basketball has arrived, and Kiki Rice is leading the charge into a thrilling new chapter.
Shoulder surgery might sideline some players for months—but Kiki Rice is not most players. Her quick return to the court, strategic approach to rehab, and commitment to honing her left hand reveal an athlete who’s determined not just to recover, but to grow.
While the full details of her recovery timeline remain unclear, the message is obvious: Rice is locked in. Fans can expect a recharged, refocused guard to take the court next season—one who has added more tools to her arsenal and even more motivation to lead her team.
If “Lefty Summer” is any sign of things to come, Kiki Rice’s next chapter may be her most exciting yet.
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Table of Contents
Kiki Rice’s Resilient Return
Back on Court Just Weeks After Shoulder Surgery
In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, resilience often defines a player’s greatness as much as raw talent.1
UCLA guard Kiki Rice is proving just that. Less than two weeks after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, Rice has returned to the court, signaling a powerful comeback that has fans and teammates buzzing with anticipation.
Her swift recovery and determined spirit offer a compelling glimpse into the mindset of an elite athlete who refuses to let setbacks dictate her journey.
A Surprise from the Hospital Bed
On April 16, fans were stunned when Kiki Rice shared a candid Instagram story from a hospital bed. The sophomore guard flashed a brave smile for the camera, even as her right arm rested in a supportive sling and gauze bandages covered her shoulder.
Though she didn’t delve into details about the surgery or what had prompted it, her appearance in the hospital marked a major moment in her offseason narrative.
The surprise post came as a shock to many, particularly because Rice had been mostly private about her injury throughout the season.
While her competitive spirit remained unshaken on the court, it was later revealed that she had quietly been managing shoulder issues for much of the 2023–24 season.
A Season Played Through Pain
Kiki Rice’s sophomore campaign was far from easy. The 5’11” guard missed the Bruins’ first three games of the season due to her shoulder injury.
While she ultimately returned and played a vital role in UCLA’s season, it’s now clear that she was competing through ongoing discomfort and limitations.
Despite the physical setbacks, Rice averaged 12.8 points, 5.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. Though these numbers were slightly down from her freshman season totals, she significantly improved her shooting efficiency—connecting on 48.5% of her field goal attempts.
It’s a testament to her evolving shot selection and maturity on the floor, proving that she could adapt her game even while hampered by injury.
Coach Brown Shares the Comeback Moment
Fast forward to late April—less than two weeks post-op—and Rice is already making headlines again. UCLA assistant coach Tasha Brown took to Instagram to share a short but powerful clip from the team’s practice facility.
In it, Kiki Rice can be seen sinking multiple free throws with her left hand. Brown captioned the video:
“5min after getting the ok! #Lefty”
The footage sparked a flurry of excitement among Bruins fans. Not only was Rice back on the court, but she was already putting in work to stay sharp—this time relying on her non-dominant hand. Rice reposted the video on her own story, simply writing:
“Lefty summer !”
It was a lighthearted but inspiring message, showing that the young star was not only embracing the challenge but having fun with it.
Kiki Rice: Training With a Purpose
Why Left-Handed Drills Matter?
Practicing with her left hand isn’t just a placeholder activity while Rice recovers; it’s a targeted strategy that could elevate her overall game.2
Many elite guards—especially those who want to dominate at the next level—dedicate time to developing ambidextrous skills.
By focusing on her left-hand mechanics during recovery, Rice is building muscle memory and control that will make her more unpredictable on the court.
Improved left-hand strength and accuracy could open up driving lanes, enhance her finishing ability, and increase her effectiveness under pressure—especially when defenders try to force her away from her dominant side.
The Mystery Behind the Surgery
While Rice and the UCLA program have not disclosed the specifics of the shoulder procedure, it’s evident that the surgery was both necessary and carefully timed.
Playing through a lingering shoulder problem for much of the year likely limited her range of motion, physicality, and shooting form. The offseason procedure is a proactive move to ensure long-term health and availability for the 2024–25 season.
Shoulder injuries are not uncommon among guards, especially those who play an aggressive style like Rice. The joint’s mobility makes it vulnerable to overuse and strain.
Without proper treatment, such injuries can linger and even worsen. By opting for surgery, Rice and her team prioritized a full recovery rather than risking further deterioration.
The Road Ahead: What This Means for UCLA
Kiki Rice’s early return to the gym bodes well not just for her own development, but for UCLA’s ambitions in the upcoming season.
With a roster filled with both young talent and seasoned leadership, the Bruins are looking to make a deep tournament run. Rice is a centerpiece of that vision.
Assuming her rehab continues to progress smoothly, Rice could enter the next season stronger, smarter, and more versatile. Her dedication to left-hand training also sends a message to her teammates: no excuse is big enough to halt improvement.
It’s a culture-setting example that reflects UCLA’s values under head coach Cori Close—grit, growth, and mental toughness.
Kiki Rice: Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Unsurprisingly, social media lit up following the video of Rice shooting left-handed.3
Fans praised her toughness and commitment, with many commenting on how exciting it was to see her back so quickly.
Some even began speculating about how much better she’ll be once fully healthy—hinting at All-American potential if she can combine her natural talent with a fully functional shoulder.
Her brief message, “Lefty summer!”, quickly became a fan catchphrase. Some fans turned it into hashtags, while others began creating fan art and memes celebrating her speedy recovery.
It’s this kind of charisma and authenticity that makes Rice not just a standout athlete, but also a compelling public figure in the women’s college basketball world.
Take the stress out of your taxes this tournament season ‼️Switch to @turbotax to start filing today with a TurboTax Expert while you enjoy the games #TurboTax Partner #MarchMadness #ad pic.twitter.com/bMcewwtzGb
— Kiki Rice (@kiki_rice0) March 20, 2025
A Glimpse Into Her Mental Toughness
Injuries test more than the body—they test the mind. For young athletes like Kiki Rice, setbacks can derail confidence or motivation.
But everything Rice has shown—whether smiling from a hospital bed or casually draining left-hand shots—points to a high level of mental resilience.
Her decision to share her journey openly, rather than hide behind the scenes, provides encouragement to other athletes dealing with injuries.
It also helps normalize the recovery process and shows younger players that setbacks are part of the game—not the end of it.
Kiki Rice’s return is about more than just the 2024–25 season. It’s about setting the stage for the rest of her career.
As one of the most promising young guards in the NCAA, she’s on the radar of WNBA scouts and Team USA decision-makers. Every challenge she overcomes adds another layer to her narrative as a future pro.
Recovering quickly, staying engaged, and continuing to evolve her game will only strengthen her résumé. And if this brief offseason setback is any indication, Kiki Rice is nowhere near done.
Also Read: Where Does Kiki Rice Attend College? A Look at Her Education Journey, Career And More
What’s Next for Kiki Rice and the UCLA Bruins?
The UCLA Bruins delivered one of the most electric and memorable seasons in program history during the 2024–25 campaign.
With star players Kiki Rice and Lauren Betts leading the way, the Bruins climbed to the top of the AP Poll and reached their first-ever NCAA Women’s Final Four.
This historic achievement cemented UCLA as a legitimate powerhouse in women’s college basketball.
As the team looks to build on its recent success, the question becomes: What’s next for Kiki Rice and the Bruins?
The future is bright, but it will take strategic adjustments, continued leadership, and strong contributions from both veterans and newcomers to keep the momentum going.
Kiki Rice: The Undisputed Floor General
Kiki Rice has emerged as the engine of this UCLA team. A dynamic point guard with elite court vision, a high basketball IQ, and the ability to score at all three levels, Rice played a central role in the Bruins’ 2024–25 rise.
Her ability to control tempo, create offense for herself and others, and defend opposing guards makes her a foundational piece heading into next season.
What sets Rice apart is her leadership. While only a junior next season, she’s already assumed the role of floor general, and her confidence continues to grow with every game.
As players like Londynn Jones and Elina Aarnisalo depart, Rice’s role will expand even more. She’ll need to elevate not just her scoring and playmaking, but also guide younger players through the high expectations that now follow this program.
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Replacing Key Departures: Who Steps Up?
While the return of Rice, Betts, and Gabriela Jaquez is a huge advantage, the Bruins are not without question marks.
The transfer portal has hit the backcourt hard: Elina Aarnisalo, Londynn Jones, and Janiah Barker have all entered the portal. These are not minor losses—each player provided perimeter scoring, spacing, and defensive intensity.
Londynn Jones, in particular, was a crucial secondary ball-handler and three-point shooter. Her departure leaves a gap that must be filled quickly.
This puts pressure on incoming talent and current role players to elevate their games. Expect players like Londyn Robinson and Amanda Muse to have bigger roles and possibly take on more responsibilities in the rotation.
A Five-Star Arrival: Sienna Betts Joins the Fold
Help is on the way in a big way. The Bruins landed one of the top recruits in the country: Sienna Betts, the No. 2 player in the 2025 class according to On3 and the younger sister of Lauren Betts.
At 6-foot-4, Sienna is a versatile forward who can stretch the floor, rebound, and defend multiple positions.
The sibling connection should make for some exciting on-court chemistry. Sienna’s high basketball IQ and advanced offensive skill set make her one of the few freshmen expected to make an immediate impact on a championship-contending team.
Her ability to space the floor will also give Kiki Rice more pick-and-pop options, something the Bruins lacked at times last season.
Kiki Rice: Defensive Identity
One of the most impressive aspects of UCLA’s 2024–25 season was its defensive versatility.
With Betts anchoring the paint and guards like Rice pressuring ball handlers, the Bruins stifled teams with their length, athleticism, and switchability.
However, with key backcourt defenders like Jones and Aarnisalo gone, maintaining that defensive identity will be critical. Incoming players and returners must buy into the system, especially in high-pressure tournament games.
The addition of longer wings like Bilic could help maintain that intensity and give UCLA more options when defending elite scorers.
Offensive Adjustments: Spacing and Shooting
If there’s an area that held the Bruins back at times, it was inconsistent three-point shooting and spacing. With the departure of some of their best perimeter threats, this issue becomes even more pressing.
UCLA will likely need to recruit or develop a true spot-up shooter to complement Rice’s drives and Betts’ interior dominance.
Sienna Betts and Bilic could both help in this regard, but the coaching staff will need to emphasize ball movement and off-ball cutting to keep defenses honest.
The pick-and-roll, especially between Rice and either Betts sister, will be a staple of the offense. But spacing around those actions will determine how effective they can be, particularly against the top-tier defensive teams in March.
Title Aspirations: Is 2025–26 the Year?
The Bruins now find themselves in an unfamiliar position: title favorites. They’re no longer the underdog or the team trying to break through. They have broken through—and expectations will follow.
With Rice, Betts, and Jaquez forming an elite trio, and with top-tier recruits like Sienna Betts and Lena Bilic joining the roster, the ingredients are there for a national title run. The coaching staff, led by Cori Close, has proven it can guide this team through pressure and adversity.
The next step? Consistency. Winning a title is not just about talent—it’s about executing when it matters most, staying healthy, and being mentally tough in close games. UCLA has already shown it can hang with the best. Now it must prove it can beat them when it counts.
Also Read: Meet the Geniuses Behind Kiki Rice: Exploring the Remarkable Journey of John and Andrea Rice
