Kiyomi McMiller, a player on the Rutgers women’s basketball team, has announced her intention to leave the program by entering the transfer portal via social media on Thursday. The talented former five-star recruit made a significant impact during her time with the Scarlet Knights, leading the team in scoring during her 19 starts this season. However, off-the-court issues ultimately resulted in her decision to part ways with the team.
Originally from Maryland, McMiller spent her last two years of high school in New Jersey. Even with interest from top programs nationwide, she chose to remain in the state for college. She was expected to play a key role for head coach Coquese Washington, who aimed to improve upon the team’s previous 8-24 season.
This makes absolutely no sense.. best handles ever in the womens game.. creativity like no other.. what even is this @Kiyomi_McMiller pic.twitter.com/FrQlXw4cvb
— SSN Jay-O (@Jay_3shifty) December 15, 2024
McMiller made a quick impact with the Scarlet Knights, but there were some early challenges. She was taken out of the starting lineup for two non-conference games as a lesson, with Washington commenting that she needed to “learn how to be on time.”
Things seemed to improve shortly after that, as she averaged 18.7 points over 21 games and earned the title of Big Ten Freshman of the Week several times. However, more drama ensued.
Kiyomi McMiller was unexpectedly benched during a loss to Maryland and did not play in the following two games against USC and Minnesota. Coquese Washington did not provide any explanation for her absence, but rumors of a locker room dispute began to circulate.
McMiller expressed her frustrations with the coaching decision on social media, delivering a sarcastic apology to her fans on Instagram that criticized Washington. This led to speculation about a potential transfer, though McMiller’s father initially denied any plans to leave the program.
BREAKING: Rutgers star Kiyomi McMiller is in the process of entering her name into the transfer portal, sources told @On3sports.
The 5-8 freshman averaged 18.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 3 spg this season.
One of the best freshmen in the country.
TRACKER: https://t.co/StsxDxjlYl pic.twitter.com/stSzemNOhM
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) March 27, 2025
Kiyomi McMiller has decided to transfer after all. The phrasing in her father’s recent comments, particularly “At this moment,” suggested uncertainty, indicating that circumstances shifted as the season progressed.
McMiller had a brief return to action, scoring a season-high 33 points in a loss to Nebraska. However, on February 6th, she was absent from the lineup again for an undisclosed reason. Coach Coquese Washington noted, “She reported that she’s not feeling 100%. So, we’ll take it day by day, game by game, and when she feels fully ready, she’ll return.”
Unfortunately, that return never happened, marking her last appearance in a Rutgers uniform. She confirmed her transfer by entering the portal on Thursday.
She is likely to attract significant interest in the transfer market, although her off-court issues might raise some concerns. The guard still has three years of eligibility remaining.
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