Legendary WNBA star Sue Bird, known for her pinpoint passes and cutting analysis, has stirred the pot again—this time calling attention to an 18-year-old college phenom who’s shaking things up with deep threes, monstrous stat lines, and a swagger reminiscent of basketball royalty. Meet Kiyomi McMiller, the Rutgers freshman who’s balling out like Caitlin Clark with a touch of Steph Curry flair.
Yes, folks, it’s happening. Bird didn’t just notice McMiller; she gave her the basketball blessing on her “A Touch More” podcast, creating buzz faster than a half-court heave.
“She had 25, 11, and six against Georgia Southern. Not a top-25 team, sure, but did you see those deep threes?” Bird quipped with the kind of reverence reserved for hardwood heroes. “Is that the Caitlin Clark effect? We used to call it the Steph Curry effect. So, I’m keeping my eye on her.” Translation: Everyone else better start paying attention.
In her most recent showcase, McMiller recorded 24 points, a career-high 11 rebounds, six assists, and three jaw-dropping 3-pointers in a 77-60 whooping of Georgia Southern. She plays like she’s auditioning for a mixtape, pulling up from distances that make defenders question their career choices. Think Clark’s relentless scoring meets Curry’s limitless range—only McMiller’s just getting warmed up.
From Scarlet to Stardom
McMiller’s rise isn’t just about the numbers. It’s the attitude. She’s got that “give me the ball and watch this” aura. In a loss to Princeton on Nov. 27, she dropped a career-high 27 points—proving she doesn’t just show up when it’s easy, but when it matters.
Let’s be real: McMiller’s not playing to fit in. She’s playing to stand out, like Bird did in her own illustrious career with the Seattle Storm. Bird’s resume reads like a basketball fairy tale—four WNBA championships, five Olympic golds, and the title of all-time assists leader. If anyone can spot the next big thing, it’s Sue Bird.
The Real Talk: College Fame vs. WNBA Struggle
Bird also threw shade at the disparity between the college and pro scenes in women’s basketball, something she knows all too well. “Society loves to give young girls opportunities,” Bird said, clearly eyeing the fickle fandom. “But when they become women, support dries up. And let’s face it—being Black, being a woman, being gay—it’s no coincidence the WNBA faces these hurdles.”
She’s not wrong. Despite averaging 11.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 39.2% shooting from deep over 580 games, Bird often played to smaller crowds than she deserved. Now, as a 2025 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, she’s using her voice to spotlight talents like McMiller while calling out the elephant in the arena: societal bias.
A Changing Game
Kiyomi McMiller isn’t just a rising star; she’s the potential bridge between eras. If Bird’s prediction holds, McMiller could be the player who turns casual fans into lifelong WNBA devotees. She’s got the skill, the stage presence, and now, she’s got the Bird seal of approval.
So, buckle up basketball fans—the next era of hoops is unfolding, and it’s looking a lot like deep threes, fearless drives, and maybe, just maybe, the game-changing legacy of Kiyomi McMiller.
