Kentucky Wildcats Show Interest in Rodney Rice Following Maryland Departure
The Maryland men’s basketball team is in a state of transition after a coaching change, leading several players to enter the transfer portal in search of new opportunities. One of the most sought-after players is sophomore guard Rodney Rice, who has quickly gained attention from top programs. According to League Ready and confirmed by KSR+’s Jacob Polacheck, Kentucky has reached out to Rice since his decision to transfer.
Kentucky’s Interest Reflects Strategic Plans
Kentucky’s move to connect with Rice indicates an early, proactive step in what could be a dynamic offseason focused on reshaping their roster. With two years of eligibility remaining, Rice is viewed as a promising addition due to his proven scoring ability and potential as a perimeter shooter. He seems like a player who could make an immediate impact at a high-major program like Kentucky.
A Strong Season Boosts Rice’s Appeal
After sitting out the 2023–24 season due to lingering injuries from his time at Virginia Tech, Rice made a significant comeback this past year at Maryland. He averaged 13.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while shooting 43.4% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range. His free-throw shooting, at 81.4%, further highlighted his reliability as a scorer.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 200 pounds, Rice played in 36 games, starting 32. He reached 20 points on six occasions, including impressive performances like a 28-point game against NCAA Tournament team Mount St. Mary’s and 26 points versus Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament. He also averaged 12.3 points per game during Maryland’s three NCAA Tournament appearances.
A Transfer Target to Watch Closely
Rice began his college career at Virginia Tech, but his freshman year in 2022–23 was limited to just eight games due to injuries. He transferred to Maryland the following season and sat out to fully recover. Once healthy, he became a key player under then-head coach Kevin Willard, who initially recruited Rice for his shooting ability. However, with Willard’s departure and Maryland in a leadership vacuum with no head coach or athletic director, Rice’s future with the program is uncertain.
In addition to Kentucky, Rice has also drawn interest from Villanova, a connection strengthened by Willard’s new role with the program. As reported by On3, Rice is ranked as the No. 169 overall prospect in the transfer portal and is considered one of the top 30 shooting guards available.
Wherever he ends up, Rodney Rice is expected to be a major contributor—he is a player to keep an eye on as the transfer portal continues to shake up the college basketball landscape.
