“Breaking: MiLaysia Fulwiley Officially Signs with LSU Tigers, Adding Explosive Talent to the Reigning National Champions”

In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the world of women’s college basketball, MiLaysia Fulwiley — one of the sport’s most electrifying young stars — has officially signed with the LSU Tigers. The former South Carolina standout has chosen to take her talents to Baton Rouge, joining head coach Kim Mulkey and the reigning national champions in what promises to be one of the most exciting team-ups in recent memory.

The decision marks a seismic shift in the women’s basketball landscape, not only due to Fulwiley’s transcendent talent but also because of what it symbolizes — the continued rise of player empowerment in the NIL and transfer portal era. LSU, already boasting a championship pedigree and a roster loaded with stars, just got even stronger.

MiLaysia Fulwiley’s rise to stardom has been anything but conventional. Known for her jaw-dropping handles, elite scoring ability, and flair for the dramatic, Fulwiley has captivated fans since her high school days at W.J. Keenan in Columbia, South Carolina. As a prep standout, she earned national recognition for her flashy yet fundamentally sound play, and by the time she committed to Dawn Staley and South Carolina, she was widely considered one of the top guards in the 2023 class.

As a freshman with the Gamecocks during the 2023–24 season, Fulwiley wasted no time putting her stamp on the program. Despite playing on a deep and experienced roster, she made headlines in her debut by unleashing a highlight-reel coast-to-coast move that was compared to Kyrie Irving and Allen Iverson. That one play — complete with a behind-the-back dribble and a no-look finish — went viral and defined her brand of basketball: fearless, artistic, and fiercely competitive.

Throughout her freshman campaign, Fulwiley averaged 11.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 46% from the field and 37% from three-point range. Her impact wasn’t just statistical — she changed the tempo of games, energized crowds, and earned a reputation as one of the few players who could take over a contest at any moment.

Fulwiley’s departure from South Carolina stunned the basketball community. She was a hometown hero playing for a perennial powerhouse under one of the game’s most respected coaches in Dawn Staley. However, several factors contributed to her decision to enter the transfer portal.

First and foremost, Fulwiley is a competitor who wants to be the focal point of a team — not just a spark off the bench. At South Carolina, the depth chart was stacked with elite talent, and her minutes were sometimes limited by the program’s rotation-heavy approach. Despite her obvious talent, Fulwiley rarely played more than 25 minutes per game, which likely influenced her decision to look elsewhere.

Secondly, the opportunity to play under Kim Mulkey — who has quickly built LSU into a destination for stars — offered an enticing new challenge. Mulkey’s offense allows creative guards to thrive, and her ability to develop talent has been well documented.

Lastly, the allure of LSU’s rising national profile, fueled by the success of Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, and others, made Baton Rouge a prime landing spot for players looking to elevate their visibility and brand in the NIL era.

LSU’s recruiting power has become second to none under Kim Mulkey. The Hall of Fame coach is known for her brash, unapologetic style and her ability to win — fast. In just three seasons, she’s transformed LSU from a middle-of-the-pack SEC team into a national champion and one of the most polarizing programs in sports.

Mulkey’s appeal goes beyond the X’s and O’s. She gives her players freedom on the court and empowers them off it. In Fulwiley’s case, that freedom could be the key to unlocking her full potential.

“MiLaysia is the type of player who changes the game — not just for her team but for the sport as a whole,” Mulkey said in a statement. “She brings a creativity and energy that’s rare. We’re thrilled to welcome her to LSU and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in the purple and gold.”

Fulwiley is expected to slot in immediately as a starting guard and primary ball handler. Her ability to push the pace, break down defenders, and hit shots from deep will pair perfectly with LSU’s fast-paced, aggressive style.

With Fulwiley now in the fold, LSU has arguably assembled the most talented roster in college basketball. Even after Angel Reese’s departure to the WNBA, the Tigers retain a potent mix of youth, experience, and star power. Fulwiley will likely share the spotlight with Flau’jae Johnson — another dynamic guard with All-American potential — and a supporting cast that includes freshman phenom Aalyah Del Rosario, sharpshooter Hailey Van Lith (if she returns), and elite defender Last-Tear Poa.

The potential starting lineup for LSU could feature four or five McDonald’s All-Americans, each capable of scoring 20 points on any given night. While balancing so much talent might be a challenge, it’s also a recipe for dominance if the chemistry clicks.

It’s a bold new era of women’s college basketball — one driven by movement, media exposure, and massive expectations. And LSU, with Fulwiley now in the mix, sits squarely at the center of that revolution.

MiLaysia Fulwiley’s transfer is also a reminder of how the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) landscape has changed the game. LSU has become a brand-building factory, helping athletes like Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson secure major endorsement deals, grow social media empires, and redefine what it means to be a college athlete.

Fulwiley’s decision may have been about basketball, but it’s hard to ignore the off-court opportunities that Baton Rouge offers. Already a viral sensation, Fulwiley now has access to a national spotlight, creative media platforms, and a fanbase that embraces bold, unapologetic players.

Her signing is expected to draw attention from sponsors, increase LSU’s ticket sales, and further amplify the Tigers’ position as must-watch entertainment — not just a basketball team.

While LSU celebrates, South Carolina is left with a significant void. Dawn Staley still has one of the deepest rosters in the country, and the Gamecocks will remain a title contender. But losing a talent like Fulwiley — especially when she’s from Columbia — stings.

Staley has built a culture of selflessness and team-first basketball, and she’s been vocal about supporting her players even when they choose to leave. Still, Fulwiley’s departure raises tough questions about balancing development and star freedom within a stacked program.

Some insiders believe Fulwiley’s style simply clashed with Staley’s structured approach. Others think it was just a matter of minutes and role. Either way, South Carolina will move forward, but they’ll be watching closely as one of their brightest homegrown stars lights it up for a rival.

The most exciting part of this signing isn’t what Fulwiley has done — it’s what she’s about to do. She’s already proven she can compete at the highest level, but her full potential has yet to be unlocked. At LSU, she’ll have the keys to the offense and a coach who encourages freedom and expression on the court.

Expect Fulwiley to contend for All-SEC and All-American honors in 2025, with the possibility of becoming a Naismith Award finalist if she leads LSU deep into the postseason. Her NBA-level skill set, court vision, and flair for dramatic plays make her one of the sport’s most marketable young stars.

“I just want to be somewhere I can be myself — have fun, win, and make people love the game,” Fulwiley said after signing. “LSU is that place.”

Within minutes of the announcement, social media exploded with reactions from fans, players, and analysts.

“This is a massive get for LSU. Fulwiley is one of the most gifted guards I’ve ever seen,” tweeted ESPN’s Andraya Carter.

“She’s box office,” said former LSU star Angel Reese in an Instagram story celebrating the news. “Y’all ain’t ready.”

With a new wave of excitement now surrounding LSU basketball, ticket sales, media coverage, and fan engagement are expected to surge. ESPN is likely to prioritize LSU in prime-time broadcasts, and Fulwiley may be featured in national ad campaigns within months.

With MiLaysia Fulwiley now officially a Tiger, the countdown to the 2025 season begins. LSU will enter the year as a national championship favorite once again, and Fulwiley will be expected to lead the charge — not just with points and assists, but with personality and poise.

The transfer portal era has changed everything. Players like Fulwiley aren’t just athletes — they’re entrepreneurs, entertainers, and cultural icons. And with Kim Mulkey guiding her next chapter, Fulwiley’s star is only going to shine brighter.