JuJu Watkins says she was disappointed not getting to play Kiyomi McMiller after Rutgers coaching fiasco

USC star JuJu Watkins was expecting to play against Kiyomi McMiller in the Big Ten matchup against Rutgers on Sunday. However, the Scarlet Knights freshman guard did not suit up due to a reported coaching decision.

The Trojans went on to win big, 92-42, thanks to Watkins' 23 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. It was the second-largest loss in Rutgers history. Speaking to reporters after the game, Watkins shared her thoughts on the highly anticipated showdown between the two players that did not materialize.

"She's a good player. I'm always excited to play against good players," JuJu Watkins said (3:52). "So yeah, I guess I was a little disappointed that she wasn't on the floor, but I think the main goal is always to win, with or without players."

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb also weighed in on not getting to see McMiller on the floor, saying she had prepared for Rutgers to have its star freshman available before getting the news of her absence.

"When we found out that she was going to be out, sometimes other people take that opportunity to step up, and we couldn't be any less locked in on our game plan," Gottlieb said postgame.

Kiyomi McMiller, one of the top freshmen in the country at 19.9 points per game, shared an apology to fans on social media hours before the game for not competing, noting the call came from Rutgers coach Coquese Washington.

McMiller's Instagram message read:

“I would like to apologize to my fans. I will not be playing in today’s game vs. USC, which is #4 in the country. This decision was made by my Head Coach Coquese Washington. Thank you for your continued support. Goodbless all of you~Kiyomi 'The Product' McMiller."

During the postgame conference, Washington did not provide any further details about why McMiller was left out.

"The thing with Kiyomi is - we're going to keep it internal," she said (1:26). "For me, coaching is not just about what happens on the court on game day, it's about how we impact these young women that are in our program in all aspects from their character to their growth into womanhood into their decision-making.

"What we're doing here, we're going to keep the specifics and everything internal."

Rutgers also issued a statement about the issue, stating:

"Kiyomi will miss tonight's game due to coach's decision. We will handle the matter internally."

JuJu Watkins stats vs. Rutgers (Jan. 5)

USC sophomore JuJu Watkins had a big game in the Trojans' 92-42 rout of Rutgers, notching a career-high 14 rebounds to go along with her 23 points, four assists and three steals.

Here is Watkins' full stat line:

• 30 minutes played
• 23 points
• 14 rebounds
• 3 steals
• 1 block
• 3 turnovers
• 8-23 FG
• 3-9 3PT
• 4-5 FT

JuJu Watkins continues to assert herself as one of the top players in college basketball. She is averaging 25.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.5 blocks per game so far.