Rutgers women’s basketball freshman star Kiyomi McMiller’s benching situation, explained

rutgers Freshman guard Kiyomi McMiller, a star women's basketball player, entered the New Jersey program as the nation's No. 27 prospect. Since debuting with the Scarlet Knights, Miller has played like a No. 1 overall rookie, leading Rutgers with 19.9 points per game, already scoring at least 30 points in three games, and posting double-doubles twice. It is recorded.

On Sunday, the 8-6 Scarlet Knights faced their toughest test of the season as they hosted the No. 4 USC Trojans and guard JuJu Watkins, but McMiller did not participate in the celebration, and fans have to know why. revealed. He was out before the game even started.

McMiller took to Instagram to apologize to fans who were hoping to see the freshman play against Watkins, a freshman ranked No. 1 overall in 2023.

McMiller focused on head coach Cocksey Washington as the reason for McMiller's absence, stressing that he had no say in the decision.

Washington's Rutgers team had a tough time against the Trojans, losing 92-42. Scarlet Knights forward Destiny Adams had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Jojo Lacy added 14 points, but the game was short and McMiller, who had already established himself as a deep threat, had a shot. , and missed the impact. From the center court logo to the drive to the basket.

After the loss, Washington noted a key absence.

“The problem with Kiyomi is we're going to keep it internal,” Washington said after the loss.

NJ.com reported. People familiar with the program cited an altercation between McMiller and a teammate after a recent Rutgers game as the reason for the suspension.

After announcing that he would remain within the program, the Rutgers head coach took a long pause before sharing his philosophy as a head coach.

“Coaching to me is about more than just what happens on the court on game day,” Washington said. You know, I think my role as a coach is about more than x's and x's and wins and losses, but what kind of impact do I have on the young women in my care and what is that? is always more important than anything else. The decisions we make that go into this program. ”

On Monday morning, McMiller returned to Instagram to share more of her thoughts by sharing a post that typically tags 18-year-olds.

A screenshot of the article notes the lopsided nature of the loss, with the Associated Press stating, “Without McMiller, the Scarlet Knights struggled offensively,” and the original Instagram account not only highlighting that comment, but also , emphasized that this loss was the worst in Rutgers history. .

In a now-deleted post, McMiller also shared an image urging freshmen to enter the transfer portal immediately.

Washington is in his third season leading the Scarlet Knights, but this is not his first experience as a head coach. Penn State Nittany Lions From 2007 to 2019. In 12 seasons, Washington led the Nittany Lions to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and three consecutive Big Ten regular season championships.

Washington led the Scarlet Knights with a 28-51 record in 79 games and missed the NCAA Tournament in each of the past three seasons. Meanwhile, another top-100 player, Kaylen Smickle, left the Rutgers program midway through the 2023-24 season. In the offseason, Smickle was an in-conference maryland terrapin.

On Monday, McMiller's father, Mike. told On3 Sports Although they share their feelings about transferring, they have no plans for new students to leave the school.

“Kiyomi's goal was to stay at Rutgers and never transfer,” McMiller said. “That's still the goal. The goal is to finish the job. I'm not thinking about transferring at the moment.”

It's too early to tell when McMiller will return at this point, but his first chance will be Wednesday night when the Scarlet Knights head to Minnesota to take on the 15-1 Golden Gophers.