"Fire the f***ing coach", "This is some bulls***": Fans criticize major Kiyomi McMiller decision before Rutgers face JuJu Watkins' USC

Trouble is brewing inside the Rutgers camp after Kiyomi McMiller missed Sunday’s game against JuJu Watkins and the No. 4 USC Trojans following a reported clash with coach Coquese Washington. McMiller took to social media to announce that Washington had decided to bench her for the highly anticipated matchup.

The Scarlet Knights released a statement confirming McMiller’s absence, citing it as a coach’s decision, and stated that the matter would be handled internally. The benching of their star player did not sit well with Rutgers fans, who had eagerly awaited the showdown between McMiller and Watkins.

College hoops fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to Washington's decision to bench Kiyomi McMiller in Rutgers' biggest game of the season so far.

"Fire the f***ing coach," one fan wrote.

"This is some bulls***," another fan posted.

Some fans claimed Kiyomi McMiller revealing something that occurred in private was a red flag.

"She put it out there. Her time at Rutgers won’t be much longer," one fan commented.

"There is a reason why Kiyomi is at Rutgers and not a blue chip program! She might have character issues that scared away top D1s because she can definitely ball," another fan added.

More fans questioned McMiller's benching.

"If it’s disciplinary, why not start tomorrow? Kiyomi is a media draw for a rebuilding Rutgers program," one fan shared.

"Wait, WHAT?!? A DNP CD???? Nah man, where’s the portal, wtf is this?" one fan asked.

Rutgers struggles without Kiyomi McMiller in blowout loss to USC

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights struggled mightily without their star player, losing 92-42 to USC at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. Only two players scored in double figures for the Scarlet Knights, who remain winless in conference play. Rutgers has dropped each of its first four Big Ten games this season.

JuJu Watkins (#12) of the USC Trojans shoots a free throw in the second quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena on January 05, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Photo: Getty

JuJu Watkins wreaked havoc against the Scarlet Knights, recording 23 points and 14 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. She added four assists, three steals and one block in 30 minutes. Kennedy Smith also made a significant impact, tallying 19 points on 6-for-9 shooting and a game-high six steals.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Kiyomi McMiller at Rutgers. She has been a vital cog for the Scarlet Knights, averaging 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists through 14 games.