Locked On WBB: Coquese Washington on Kiyomi McMiller, WNBA

They started by discussing the current state of women’s basketball, as well as women’s sports in general, touching on the increasing popularity of the NCAA and WNBA, and their presence on the Olympic stage in Paris.

“This is, in my opinion, a crucial moment in terms of coverage and recognition of our sport,” Washington remarked. “There have been numerous talented players throughout the years, such as Nancy Lieberman, Sheryl Swoopes, and Cheryl Miller, who are legends of the game. However, this current moment stands out as a mainstream topic of conversation… When you turn on shows like Stephen A Smith’s First Take in the morning, they are discussing women’s basketball in a positive light. They are focusing on the game itself, not on scandals or controversies. The viewership numbers for WNBA games, college games, and Olympic basketball games are all on the rise. It’s a fantastic time to be involved in women’s athletics, particularly women’s basketball. It is heartwarming to see the broad support we are receiving now, setting a positive example for future players like my daughter, who is a teen basketball enthusiast, and for young girls dreaming of going pro or playing in college.”

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Coquese Washington and Howard Megdal then delved into the topic of incoming five-star recruit Kiyomi McMiller, who committed to the Scarlet Knights in April. McMiller made headlines as the first high school athlete to secure a Name, Image, and Likeness deal, becoming a Jordan brand athlete in 2023.

“If I had to describe Kiyomi in one word, it would be dynamic,” Washington stated. “Watching her play and seeing how her teammates respond to her, you can see how she elevates the competitiveness in the gym. She has raised the level of play with her scoring, passing, defending, and speed. To build a successful program, we need dynamic players like Kiyomi. She truly represents our first major recruiting class, setting the tone for the 2024 class.”

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“Welcoming her and [incoming freshman Zachara Perkins], two dynamic players capable of various skills on the court, has opened up new possibilities for us. Our goal is to keep adding dynamic players each year, building on the foundation set by Kiyomi and Zachara. The level of dynamic play and her ability to elevate her teammates is truly remarkable and exciting for us as coaches, as well as for our fan base,” Washington emphasized.

For more insights from Coquese Washington on Rutgers’ upcoming season, the new transfers and recruits, and more, make sure to tune in. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast for a deep dive into the WNBA, women’s college basketball, basketball history, and much more!