Thunder's Cason Wallace, UCLA's Kiki Rice Form Basketball Power Couple

The two rising stars first met as teenagers at the Jr. NBA World Championship.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:07pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players' bodies and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The rising basketball power couple of Cason Wallace and Kiki Rice push each other to new levels of excellence on the court.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace and UCLA women's basketball star Kiki Rice first crossed paths as middle schoolers at the inaugural Jr. NBA World Championship in Orlando, where the two rising talents showcased their skills against some of the best 13- and 14-year-old players in the world. Now, Wallace and Rice have become a high-profile basketball power couple, pushing each other to excel on the court.

Why it matters

The relationship between Wallace and Rice highlights the growing prominence of basketball as a family affair, with elite players from both the men's and women's games forming partnerships that transcend the traditional gender divide in sports. Their story also underscores the importance of youth development programs like the Jr. NBA World Championship in cultivating the next generation of basketball stars.

The details

Wallace and Rice first met at the Jr. NBA World Championship in 2018, where they competed against each other in the tournament's inaugural edition. Though they were on opposing teams, the two teenagers quickly formed a connection that has blossomed into a full-fledged romantic relationship. Now, as Wallace embarks on his NBA career with the Thunder and Rice dominates at UCLA, the couple continues to support and motivate each other, sharing tips and strategies to help one another reach new heights on the court.

  • Wallace and Rice first met at the Jr. NBA World Championship in Orlando in 2018.
  • Wallace was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2023 NBA Draft.
  • Rice is currently a sophomore standout for the UCLA women's basketball team.

The players

Cason Wallace

A guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Wallace was a highly touted recruit out of high school and is now making a name for himself in the NBA.

Kiki Rice

A star player for the UCLA women's basketball team, Rice is considered one of the top young talents in the college game and a potential future WNBA draft pick.

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What they’re saying

“Cason and I have always pushed each other to be our best. Even when we were just kids, we could see the potential in one another.”

— Kiki Rice, UCLA Women's Basketball Player

“Having Kiki in my corner makes me a better player. We're constantly sharing ideas and strategies to help each other improve.”

— Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder Guard

What’s next

Wallace and Rice are expected to continue their ascent in the professional and college basketball ranks, respectively, with both players aiming to lead their teams to championships in the coming years.

The takeaway

The relationship between Cason Wallace and Kiki Rice showcases the growing interconnectedness of the men's and women's basketball worlds, as elite players from both sides form partnerships that transcend traditional gender boundaries and push each other to new heights of excellence.