MiLaysia Fulwiley Sends Clear Message to Dawn Staley, South Carolina After Transfer
An April 11 report that former South Carolina Gamecocks star guard MiLaysia Fulwiley was entering the NCAA transfer portal after spending two seasons playing for Dawn Staley stunned the women’s college basketball world.
While many fans had been discussing the potential of Fulwiley transferring for much of the 2024-25 season because she wasn’t in the starting rotation and wasn’t getting the minutes many thought she deserved, there was no clear indication that Fulwiley was discontent with her situation until this portal news was released.
Despite a lot of discussion from reporters and women’s college basketball fans in the past week or so, one person who hadn’t spoken about this transfer decision was Fulwiley. But that changed on April 17 when she officially announced her transfer with an Instagram post.
The post wrote, “I want to begin by thanking my hometown of Columbia, SC. Without my village, I wouldn’t be where I am today, chasing my dreams. Thank you to Coach Staley, the entire South Carolina staff, and my teammates for the unforgettable memories we’ve created together. Thank you to the FAMS for embracing me and supporting me over the past two years.
“After thoughtful consideration, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal. I’m excited for what’s next and grateful for the continued love and support.”
It will be fascinating to see where Fulwiley ends up next season, and her decision regarding her next program will likely be announced relatively soon. Until then, speculation about her future is sure to continue.
MiLaysia Fulwiley, a standout guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks, has entered the NCAA women’s basketball transfer portal, signaling the end of her two-year tenure with the program. During her time at South Carolina, Fulwiley contributed to two SEC titles, multiple Final Four appearances, and a national championship. Despite these achievements, she often played a limited role, starting only three games and averaging just 15 minutes per contest in her sophomore season. Her playing time was further reduced with the arrival of high-scoring transfer Ta’Niya Latson from Florida State.
Fulwiley’s decision to transfer has sparked discussions among fans and analysts. Some have criticized South Carolina’s coaching staff for not fully utilizing her talents, pointing to instances where she received minimal playing time, such as in a game against UCLA where she played only three minutes . Others have suggested that Fulwiley’s departure could be a strategic move to find a program where she can take on a more prominent role and further develop her skills.
In response to the transfer, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley emphasized the importance of trust and the developmental process. She acknowledged that Fulwiley’s journey involved challenges and growth, stating, “It’s her process… We trust over here. That’s with everybody. MiLaysia and I are good. Our house is tight.” Staley also highlighted Fulwiley’s potential for a successful professional career, noting that sometimes the process requires discomfort to achieve long-term success .
As Fulwiley explores new opportunities, several programs have been mentioned as potential destinations. Schools like Ole Miss, Louisville, Clemson, Maryland, and Notre Dame are considered possible landing spots, each offering unique advantages such as familiar coaching staff, professional development pipelines, or shared brand affiliations .
Fulwiley’s next move will be closely watched, as it could significantly impact her collegiate career and future prospects in professional basketball.
