UCLA's Kiki Rice says shoulder surgery 'one of the best things I ever did'

PHOENIX — UCLA senior guard Kiki Rice's offseason was unlike any she's experienced. After the Bruins' historic 34-3 season ended with a loss to UConn in the Final Four last April, Rice elected to undergo shoulder surgery after playing through shoulder pain all year. Rice said the move was "one of the best things I ever did," as evidenced by her career season that's ultimately helped the Bruins reach their first NCAA national championship game.

But when she was making the decision, Rice had more questions than answers. When would she be able to pick up a basketball again? Would she miss any games during her senior season?

Would she feel better? "It was my first time having a big surgery and being out for a long time," Rice told USA TODAY Sports. "It was tough just being out for a while and not being able to really shoot and use my right arm for four months.

" Rice told USA TODAY Sports her shoulder now "feels a ton better. " In the eight months since Rice picked up a basketball again, she's tallied career highs in points (15. 1), rebounds (5.