The game had barely started, and Rutgers was already on the ropes. Facing the USC Trojans, one of the top teams in the country, the Scarlet Knights were in for a tough test. But the challenge wasn’t just on the court—it was off it, as a 5 star talent was conspicuously absent. What was happening behind the scenes?

Kiyomi McMiller, Rutgers’ freshman guard and one of the team’s biggest talents, was missing. Just days before the January 5th game, McMiller, who has been averaging 19.9 points per game this season, took to Instagram to announce her absence. “This decision was made by my head coach Coquese Washington. Thank you all for your continued support. Godbless all of you~ Kiyomi ‘The Product’ McMiller.”

In the world of basketball, every missing piece can feel like the difference between victory and defeat. Without McMiller, Rutgers was out of rhythm from the start. They missed their first eight shots, and by the end of the first quarter, USC had already built a commanding 22-8 lead. The absence of their top scorer had a clear ripple effect on the team’s performance.

McMiller’s advisor, Leonard Ellerbe, wasn’t shy about expressing his disappointment in the decision. In an X post, Steve Politi mentioned this comment and stated , “An advisor to Rutgers guard Kiyomi McMiller called the decision to suspend the former five-star recruit ‘very disappointing’ and hinted at a possible transfer. ‘Who knows what her future looks like right now?’”

The question lingered over the team: What was happening behind the scenes to lead to such a drastic move? The loss to USC, which ended in a historic 92-42 defeat, was the worst in the program’s history. Without McMiller on the court, Rutgers struggled mightily to generate offense, finishing with just 28% shooting and a paltry 14-50 from the field.

Destiny Adams’ late basket in the first quarter was the team’s first of the game, but it wasn’t nearly enough to close the gap. Rutgers’ defense, usually a strong suit, couldn’t compensate for their lackluster offense. McMiller’s absence was felt in every facet of the game.

As the game wore on, social media was abuzz. Fans were vocal about the benching, many wondering how the Scarlet Knights could have allowed such a blowout to happen. Some even suggested McMiller enter the transfer portal, further fueling the speculation. On January 6, Ellerbe continued to speak out, stating, “I don’t want to speak in terms of long-term, but this is — you don’t treat people like this. You don’t handle a situation like this. I’m trying to say the right thing here.”

Coquese Washington Faces Pressure as McMiller’s Absence Fuels Rutgers’ Historic Loss

The magnitude of the loss could have been hard to ignore even if McMiller had played, but without her, the gap between Rutgers and USC became painfully clear. The Trojans, led by JuJu Watkins’ 23 points and 14 rebounds, ran riot over the Scarlet Knights, setting a new standard for the worst defeat in Rutgers’ history. The final margin — 49 points — nearly exceeded the team’s previous record for largest defeat, which was a 54-point loss to Iowa in 2023.

As the dust settled, Rutgers was left to grapple with both the emotional and strategic fallout from the loss. The decision to bench McMiller might have been a necessary one for head coach Coquese Washington in her eyes, but it has sent ripples through the team and the fanbase. With McMiller’s future at Rutgers uncertain, the Scarlet Knights may have to navigate a storm not just on the court, but in their locker room as well.

This situation could very well serve as a tipping point for both McMiller and the program. If the coaching staff cannot manage the locker room and its star talent effectively, the team’s season could quickly spiral out of control. Washington’s leadership is now under intense scrutiny, and how she handles this controversy will determine not just McMiller’s future, but the future of Rutgers women’s basketball. As for McMiller, the ball is now in her court—whether she chooses to stay or leave will undoubtedly shape the narrative for the rest of the season.