When Kevin Willard decided to leave Maryland and head to Villanova, the Rice family had to make some tough decisions. While it is surely the decision of Rodney, the Rices are just in the habit of making decisions in tandem, as they did sitting at the breakfast table when Rodney first decided to move to Maryland, his father’s alma mater, and in his words, “Home”.

As Rodney entered the portal to move away from his beloved Terps, his dad highlighted that they are laser-focused on achieving his son’s goals, even if that comes at the cost of home. “There’s a strong possibility he returns with the right hire. Someone that is going to help him continue to grow, develop his game and give him a chance to get to the NBA.” said Rodney Sr.

Growing up in Maryland, he went to High School at DeMatha Catholic where the crowds learnt to chant his name. It wasn’t difficult though, as the Rices are far from forgettable. His grandfather and father, also named Rodney, excelled in basketball. “The Rice name,” Rice Sr. said. “means something in the [Washington] D.C. basketball world.” The family boasts the first grandfather-father-son trio to all be selected to the All-Met team and while the latest Rice might be on his way to California, nothing could make his legacy in Maryland leave.

Who are Rodney Rice’s parents? What is their nationality?

Rodney Rice’s parents, Rodney Rice Sr. and Olga Rice are both American nationals. They are natives of Maryland and is also where they’ve raised their three children.

Olga, while private, is the glue that holds the family together—cheering Rodney on quietly but fiercely and standing beside him in every major move, whether it was Maryland, USC, or beyond.

Who is Rodney Rice’s father Rodney Sr.? Was he a basketball player?

Rodney Rice Sr. is the name of Rodney’s father and has been the name that’s carried on since his great grandfather. His father, Rodney Rice Sr., also played college basketball and enjoyed benefits of the transfer process back in the day himself. “He played at Boston College and later transferred to Richmond so he truly understands the process and the path I’ve been on.” Rice said of his dad. Playing for Boston College and Richmond, The 6-foot-3 forward averaged 12.6 points and 2.7 assists during his three seasons with the Spiders, leading them to Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament during the 1987-88 season.

Rice Sr. now uses his wisdom of the game to support his son’s dreams. “He’s at all of the games,” Rice Jr. said. “He tells me what he sees, good and bad, what to do better, what I need to keep doing, so it’s always good to listen to him critique my game afterward.” And while most sons would be quick to dismiss their father’s criticism, Rodney understood that denying basketball advice from NBA player Amare Stoudemire’s agent would be foolish work. So when asked who had the most influence over his basketball career, Rice pointed to the obvious. “My dad – there have been good days and there have been bad days, but he has always been there to give advice and make me better. Whether it was to do better or things I can improve on, he was always there for me. 

So for Rodney Sr. to witness his son’s injuries, homecoming and subsequently making a name for himself regardless of circumstance, it filled him with pride. “Every dad’s dream,” is how he described it. Even as Rodney Jr. entered the transfer portal again after the 2024-25 season, his father remained involved, which surely indicates how closely knit the family is, but also shows the sports agent inside Rodney Sr. is still alive.

Who is Rodney Rice’s mother Olga? What does she do?

Rodney Rice’s mother is Olga Rice. There isn’t much information available on the internet related to her as she seldom makes media appearances.

While her professional life isn’t public, Olga’s at the heart of every family huddle, from breakfast table talks in Maryland to late-night calls about Rodney’s USC journey.

Does Rodney Rice have any siblings?

Rodney’s got two sisters, Jasmine and Jenai, and they’re as close as it gets. Whether it’s keeping him grounded or cheering him on from the sidelines, they’re his biggest cheerleaders and toughest critics, making sure he stays true to the Rice family’s values.​