Kiyomi McMiller is a name basketball fans are going to hear a lot more of in the coming years. The Rutgers point guard has been making waves with her skills, drive, and unique approach to the game. From her crossover to her inspirations and style, McMiller is carving out her own path.
The Crossover That Broke the Internet
When a clip of Kiyomi’s deadly crossover went viral, many wondered where she got the move from. Turns out, it wasn’t just a one-time thing.
“It’s something that I practice all the time,” McMiller shares. “It’s a move that I always do, no one has ever captured it on camera, but now it was public and went viral. I did it in warmups and then I was like, I’m gonna do that in the game.”
NBA legend Jamal Crawford was one of the many who took notice.“Of course, I saw it. Did I see it, or did I just lose my mind when I saw it?” Crawford said.
“Because I absolutely lost my mind when I saw it because obviously that was Allen Iverson’s first move he did when we were all trying to learn that back in the day in his Reebok commercial and she put her own twist on it. That’s what the forefathers do, they give you a blueprint that you take and make it your own and she absolutely did that.”
Basketball Inspirations and DMV Influence
Growing up, McMiller had a range of basketball idols. “There were all types of Kevin Durant; also Jamal Crawford, Michael Jordan, Kyrie [Irving]… A.I., Dr. J; he’s one of my favorite players. They’re some of my favorite players I look up to.
As for the first professional player from the DMV that truly influenced her?
“I would say KD,” she said. “He was the first one that I realized was from the DMV and was able to meet him in person, it was real fast and I wasn’t ready and it caught me off guard. KD was the first one that I saw all the kids look up to.”
Her Maryland roots have played a huge role in shaping her game.“What I’ve learned is to be competitive with the best players; I think that’s where most of the talent is, you know? I thought it was easy just being on the court because it was similar to the people that I used to play against at home. I could go outside and find a nice pickup game going outside to any court and here it’s totally different.”
Life Center Academy and College Prep
Though New Jersey’s Life Center Academy was a stop on her journey, McMiller believes her real preparation came from playing against top-tier competition. “I don’t want to say it didn’t but, throughout my life playing against more guys prepared me. I wouldn’t say playing in New Jersey had anything to do with it but it’s how I prepared for and leading up to now.”
WNBA Takes and NIL Deal with Jordan Brand
With Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese making waves in the WNBA, McMiller has strong thoughts on the league’s evolution. “They did exactly what they did in college in the WNBA. certain people in college are being held back and they’re not getting a chance to fully showcase what they can do so that the game can fully elevate. what they did was great but, I think that there’s more players that have more to showcase but they aren’t being allowed to and they’re getting held back.”
Surprisingly, she didn’t grow up watching much of the WNBA.“I really didn’t watch any WNBA. I’ll say a couple players that I know and I just liked were Kelsey Mitchell and Shakira [Austin]. They are the two”.
McMiller’s NIL deal with Jordan Brand is a dream come true, and her favorite Jordan sneaker? Classic. “It’s kind of basic but I really like the Jordan I’s,” McMiller said with a smile.
“Honestly, I don’t know if I sound crazy but I like playing in the Jordan 1’s and 2’s because they’re the most comfortable walking around in and even how I move, they might break but they’re still my favorite.”
Her ultimate favorites? “It’s between the 11’s and the 4’s. I just like how they look, the color and also the style of the shoe.”
The Rise of Rutgers Basketball
McMiller is excited about the growing attention Rutgers basketball is receiving. “I think that was really nice to see it blowing up like that, especially compared to games last year where it wasn’t like that. It was less attention to the school and then as soon as I came and Dylan and Ace came then everything changed. So I just think that was something that was really cool and you could see just the impact that we have.”
Rutgers star Dylan Harper is one of her biggest supporters. “She’s always in the gym. I see her around all the time. Hard worker; all the time, she gets it! She’s going to be one of them ones in the next four years. She’ll have a long career and a long legacy here at Rutgers and in the WNBA. It’s just great seeing what the girls are doing on the other side.”
Off-Court Style, Music, Movies & Chill Time
Her go-to fashion choice? Comfort is key.
“It’s still sweatpants,” she said with a chuckle.
“I don’t really know. I really like to just chill and be comfortable. I’m not really huge on dressing up or anything. If anything, I like to put on some cargo pants; something really chill.”
Her game-day playlist? “I don’t really listen to music like that. It’s all like old school like [old] Kanye and stuff like that.”
“I like both, you know? I like movies. I like to switch it up!”
Final Thoughts
Kiyomi McMiller is a special talent with a bright future ahead. With a deep-rooted DMV work ethic, inspirations from legends, and a confidence that can’t be taught, she’s set to make major waves at Rutgers and beyond. NBA legend Stephon Marbury sees something special in her. “She’s different. She’s definitely the Kyrie of college for sure. She’s out there doing different things. She’s basically doing whatever she wants to do. I can’t wait to see her in the WNBA.”
Jamal Crawford doubled down on that sentiment. “Man, she’s just special. The way she was moving, her movements—it looked identical to the style of play that I played. She’s just one of one.”
Keep an eye out—this is just the beginning.
