“Definitely not a team player”: College hoops fans react as Kiyomi McMiller returns after absence from 2 games and drops 33 points

Kiyomi McMiller made quite an impression in her return to the starting lineup on Sunday. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights star scored 33 points against the Nebraska Cornhuskers after coach Coquese Washington benched her for the past two games.

McMiller's return wasn't enough to end Rutgers' losing rut as the Scarlet Knights suffered a 69-62 defeat at Jersey Mike's Arena. They have lost their last five games, with Rutgers' record dropping to 8-9. The Scarlet Knights have yet to win a game in conference play, posting a 0-6 slate against Big Ten opponents.

Instagram page HighlightHER posted McMiller's highlights against Nebraska, including her logo three in the second quarter. McMiller's play drew some harsh reactions from college hoops fans, who blasted the Rutgers star for being selfish in the loss to the Huskers.

College hoops fans blasted Kiyomi McMiller on Instagram after Rutgers' loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Source: Instagram/@highlighther

"Definitely not a team player," one fan wrote.

"Lol sheesh. She is the definition of 'Her controller only has the square button,'" one fan commented.

"I see why she got benched," one fan shared.

"Ball hog," one fan pointed out.

"She said f**k all that, I sat out two games, I'm jacking these shots up," one fan chimed in.

"Sad to see this! A player with an awesome skill set but has no interest in being a Team player!" one fan posted.

Kiyomi McMiller accounted for more than half of Rutgers' points in the loss to Nebraska. She shot 14-for-28 from the field, including 5-for-14 from beyond the arc. She also had two rebounds and two assists in 37 minutes of action. Destiny Adams and Awa Sidibe were the other players who scored in double figures for Rutgers, recording 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Kiyomi McMiller misses games against USC and Minnesota

Kiyomi McMiller announced on social media before the game against Juju Watkins' USC Trojans that she would be missing the much-anticipated contest because of a "coach's decision." The Scarlet Knights lost 92-42 to record their worst home defeat in school history.

Rutgers coach Coquese Washington with Kiyomi McMiller in the background during the Scarlet Knights' game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Piscataway, New Jersey on January 12, 2025. Photo: Imagn

McMiller traveled with the Scarlet Knights to Minnesota for Wednesday's game against the Golden Gophers but still didn't see action. Rutgers struggled to generate offense without McMiller, losing 76-50 to Minnesota.