Oklahoma City Thunder fans couldn’t have asked for a better week. Just two days after their team captured the 2025 NBA Finals in a thrilling seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers, Thunder guard Cason Wallace delivered another surprise that has basketball fans talking.
The 21-year-old Wallace has been quietly dating UCLA women’s basketball star Kiki Rice, a revelation that came to light through a recent Instagram video posted by Wagtalk’s official account. The couple’s relationship had remained under the radar until now.
Thunder Guard’s Romance Goes Public
The relationship reveal came through Wagtalk’s Instagram interview with Rice, where she answered questions about her mysterious NBA boyfriend without initially naming him. The UCLA point guard provided clues about her partner’s identity, describing him as “a two-way guard, he defends well. He usually guards the team’s best perimeter player.”
Rice revealed additional details during the interview, mentioning that her boyfriend went to Kentucky and earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Texas. When she noted that he had just completed his first career postseason run with the Thunder, Wallace’s identity became clear.
The couple’s history stretches back to their youth basketball days. When asked how long she had known Wallace, Rice replied, “Just pretty recently, actually… yeah, though since eighth grade.” She explained they first met at Junior NBA programs, establishing a connection that has evolved over the years.
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The timing of their relationship going public coincided with the Thunder’s historic championship victory. Rice was reportedly in attendance at Paycom Center for Game 7 on Sunday, watching as Oklahoma City captured its first NBA title since relocating from Seattle in 2008. The Thunder defeated the Pacers 103-91 in the decisive game, with Wallace contributing 10 points and two rebounds in 26 minutes of action.
Following the championship celebration, Rice shared her excitement on Instagram Stories, adding heart emojis to images of the victory. One photo showed Wallace proudly wearing his championship gear, with Rice writing “Did that” alongside heart emojis, offering fans a glimpse into their celebration.
Rising Stars in Their Respective Sports
Both athletes have experienced tremendous success in their basketball careers. Wallace, selected 10th overall by the Thunder in the 2023 NBA Draft, has emerged as a key defensive contributor for Oklahoma City. The Richardson, Texas, native averaged 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists during the regular season while establishing himself as one of the league’s premier young defensive talents.
Rice has been equally impressive on the women’s college basketball scene. The UCLA junior helped lead the Bruins to their first Final Four appearance since the program won the AIAW national championship in 1978. Though UCLA fell to UConn 85-51 in the national semifinals, Rice’s leadership and playmaking ability throughout the 2024-25 season cemented her status as one of college basketball’s top point guards.
The UCLA star earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors and was a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Award. She also received the Elite 90 Award at the Final Four, which recognizes the student-athlete with the highest GPA among all NCAA championship event participants.
With their relationship now public, Wallace and Rice represent a new generation of basketball power couples. Both athletes have bright futures ahead, with Wallace continuing to develop as a cornerstone of the Thunder’s championship core and Rice preparing for what could be her final college season before potentially entering the WNBA Draft.
As they navigate their respective careers and relationship in the spotlight, Wallace and Rice have the foundation to support each other through the unique challenges that come with professional basketball. Their shared understanding of the game’s demands and their long-standing connection could prove valuable as they continue pursuing excellence on and off the court.
