PISCATAWAY — The future of freshman star Kiyomi McMiller with the Rutgers women’s basketball team remains up in the air – but there’s been no let up of her expressing hints of how she feels on social media.
McMiller was benched for Sunday’s game against USC – but Rutgers won’t say if it’s more serious than that in terms of a suspension or dismissal from the team. Nor is it known if McMiller is practicing with the team in advance of Wednesday’s game at the University of Minnesota – or if she will be in uniform to face the Gophers.
Rutgers Athletics Associate Director Erin Neri on Monday said, “Our official statement is still the same. It was a coach’s decision. We will handle the matter internally.”
More:Rutgers women’s basketball star benched vs. No. 4 USC, fires back at coach on Instagram
McMiller, who leads the Scarlet Knights in assists and points, announced on her Instagram hours before tip-off that it was coach Coquese Washington’s decision to sit her out prior to their home game against No. 4 USC on Sunday night.
Still an icy relationship between Kiyomi McMiller and Rutgers basketball day after game
On Monday morning, McMiller reposted content from disgruntled fans expressing their disappointment over her absence – with many noting that the Scarlet Knights lost the game by 50 points, the second-worst beatdown in program history.
One said: “Definitely not the same without you @kiyomimcmiller32. Definitely not the same team without you. It was laughable.”
McMiller even reposted a fan calling for her to be transfer (now deleted).
McMiller’s advisor, Leonard Ellerbe — the former CEO of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather’s promotional company — told NJ.com that the decision to bench the former high school star at Life Center Academy in Burlington County, N.J., was “very disappointing” and hinted at a possible transfer.
“Who knows what her future looks like right now?,” Ellerbe said.
Ellerbe couldn’t be reached for additional comment. McMiller’s father Mike, who served as an assistant coach during Kiyomi’s two seasons at Life Academy, did not respond to an email.
Mike McMiller told On3.com, “Kiyomi’s goal was to be at Rutgers and not ever transfer. That is still the goal. The goal is to finish the job. At this moment, we’re not looking to transfer.”
Wednesday morning update: Kiyomi McMiller is with the team but status for Minnesota game still unknown
Rutgers team officials said Wednesday that McMiller is with the team but did not comment on whether she’ll play against Minnesota, which is 15-1 and receiving votes in the AP poll (8 p.m. ET, streaming on B1G+).
Neri in an email told the Asbury Park Press: “We can confirm that Kiyomi traveled and practiced with the team on Jan. 7. However, we will not comment on her availability for the Minnesota game and still defer to the availability report which will be released at 5 pm ET. “
Rutgers has dropped three straight games, all against ranked opponents.
