Rutgers Star Kiyomi McMiller Benched as Locker Room Tensions Emerge
Freshman standout McMiller's absence in historic loss to USC raises questions about team dynamics and her future at Rutgers.
- Kiyomi McMiller, Rutgers' leading scorer and five-star freshman recruit, was benched during the team's 92-42 loss to No. 4 USC, the worst defeat in program history.
- Head coach Coquese Washington cited internal reasons for McMiller's absence, with reports suggesting a locker room altercation as the cause.
- McMiller's advisor, Leonard Ellerbe, criticized the decision, calling it 'shocking' and raising concerns about its handling, though her father confirmed she intends to stay at Rutgers.
- The benching has fueled speculation about McMiller's potential transfer, especially after she briefly reposted a fan's suggestion to enter the transfer portal before deleting it.
- McMiller, who averages 19.9 points per game, was the first high school player to sign an NIL deal with Jordan Brand and remains a key figure in Rutgers' struggling 8-7 season.
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