Uncertainty mounts over Rutgers as Kiyomi McMiller pulled out last minute despite travelling to Minnesota, HC refuses to give update

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have lost their groove as of late, losing their last four games with a double-digit deficit. It was the same case earlier on Wednesday when the Coquese Washington-coached team was outpaced by the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 76-50, to fall to a 0-4 hole in the Big Ten Conference.

It was an unfortunate result, especially since top-scoring rookie Kiyomi McMiller was reported to be available for the must-win game beforehand. She even traveled with the squad to the Williams Arena in Minnesota before a game-time decision eventually pulled her out from any chance of playing out the fixture, as reported by women's basketball journalist Ejay Arrow.

During post-game interviews, coach Washington was asked about any updates regarding her spitfire scorer's availability, especially since McMiller didn't suit up for the Wednesday noon showcase. Rutgers reporter Matthew Mangam shared the 53-year-old tactician's response as she said:

"No updates (on Kiyomi)."

Uncertainty builds for the McMiller matter, as there is still no clear answer as to why the freshman has not disclosed any information on her condition nor played in the Scarlett Knights' last slew of conference games.

Just this past week on Sunday, the program received its worst home loss in team history after suffering a 50-point beatdown, 92-42, against the USC Trojans. McMiller was not active for the matchup with sophomore standout JuJu Watkins due to a coach's decision.

For now, coach Washington and the rest of the Scarlett Knights are looking to get any momentum to come their way without the services of McMiller. Falling to 8-8 overall on the year, their next Big Ten opponent is the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Sunday, Jan. 12, with no word yet if the first-year guard will play.

The Rutgers Scarlett Knights have not yet found an answer to fill in for Kiyomi McMiller

Despite an outstanding showing from senior stalwart Destiny Adams, who posted 28 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks on Wednesday, the rest of the Rutgers were flat when it came to matching her production. There was no other Scarlett Knight who finished scoring in double digits as it was only Bamako, Mali native Awa Sidibe, who came close with eight markers.

For her first collegiate season, Kiyomi McMiller is averaging 19.9 points, 5.4 boards, 3.2 dimes, and 1.1 swipes per game. Given how her team fared against Minnesota, it may be difficult for them to find a player who could give the same amount of contributions as McMiller has.