MiLaysia Fulwiley Steals Spotlight as She Outshines Former South Carolina Teammates in Electrifying Performance for Team USA

MiLaysia Fulwiley has never shied away from the big stage. From the moment she stepped onto the court at South Carolina, she commanded attention with her electric ball-handling, fearless shot selection, and unshakable confidence. Now, on an international platform, Fulwiley reminded everyone why she’s considered one of the most exciting young players in the game today. In a Team USA exhibition that featured several of her former South Carolina teammates, Fulwiley didn’t just compete—she dominated.

It was a dazzling display that felt like the arrival of a star, even though Fulwiley’s name has already been well known in basketball circles for some time. What made this game so notable wasn’t just the stats—though those were impressive enough—but the manner in which Fulwiley controlled the game, slicing through defenders, delivering crisp passes, and creating separation with ease. She played with a level of flair and fearlessness that had fans and analysts alike sitting up and paying attention.

Team USA’s exhibition matchup was meant to be a chemistry-building outing, a test of cohesion before more serious competition down the line. But for Fulwiley, it became something more: a personal statement. She wasn’t just trying to keep up with her older, more experienced peers—she was determined to outplay them. And on this night, she did just that.

Among those teammates-turned-opponents were players Fulwiley had shared the court with during South Carolina’s dominant runs in the SEC and deep NCAA Tournament appearances. Familiar faces such as Kamilla Cardoso and Bree Hall lined up in opposing jerseys, each of them accustomed to seeing Fulwiley work her magic in Gamecocks colors. But now, with everyone on an equal playing field, it was Fulwiley who stood tallest—even if not in stature.

From the tip, Fulwiley made her intentions clear. She opened the game with a fearless drive to the basket, absorbing contact and finishing through a pair of taller defenders. That early bucket set the tone—not just for her own performance but for the night as a whole. She followed it up with a step-back three from the wing, then a transition assist that threaded two defenders to find her teammate under the basket. Each sequence built momentum. By the end of the first half, she had racked up 13 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals—eye-popping numbers for anyone, let alone a player still early in her international career.

What was perhaps more remarkable than the numbers was the way she made it all look so effortless. Her crossover dribble left defenders lunging. Her vision in the open court allowed her to execute passes before teammates even realized they were open. Her instincts on defense let her jump passing lanes and push the tempo the other way. This was more than talent on display—it was poise, maturity, and a growing understanding of how to command the game.

The former South Carolina teammates guarding her knew better than anyone what she was capable of. They’d seen it in practice and in games. But there’s a difference between knowing and stopping, and Fulwiley reminded them of that the hard way. Kamilla Cardoso, now a centerpiece in the WNBA, found herself repeatedly rotating late on Fulwiley’s drives, her size unable to compensate for Fulwiley’s speed and footwork. Bree Hall, a trusted defender during her college days, struggled to contain Fulwiley in isolation. It was not for lack of effort—Fulwiley was simply operating on a different plane.

By the third quarter, the crowd had fully turned its attention to the emerging star. Every time she touched the ball, there was a buzz. And she fed off it. She nailed another deep three with a defender draped all over her, then turned to the sideline and cracked a grin. She was in rhythm, in control, and fully aware of what was unfolding.

There was a moment late in the game that encapsulated the entire night. With the score close and the shot clock winding down, Fulwiley took a screen near the top of the key, danced into the lane, and, mid-air, delivered a wraparound pass behind her back to a trailing teammate for a wide-open layup. The bench exploded. Even opposing players couldn’t help but nod in appreciation. It was the kind of moment that leaves an impression—not just because of the execution, but because of who it came from.

After the game, Fulwiley was quick to deflect attention, crediting her teammates, the coaching staff, and the opportunity to represent Team USA. “Any time you put on this jersey, it’s special,” she said. “I just wanted to go out there, have fun, and play my game.” But make no mistake: everyone watching knew what they had just seen. This wasn’t just another game—it was a star turn.

What makes Fulwiley’s ascent so compelling is how quickly she’s made the leap. Just over a year ago, she was dazzling crowds in Columbia with behind-the-back passes and end-to-end coast-to-coast drives. Now, she’s doing it on the international stage, and the transition has been seamless. She plays with the confidence of someone who’s been here before, but with the energy and joy of someone who’s still discovering the limits of her potential—which, frankly, remain unknown.

For South Carolina fans, the night was bittersweet. Watching Fulwiley thrive brought immense pride, but it also served as a reminder of just how rare a talent she is. Gamecock Nation has long known what she’s capable of, but now the world is catching on.

And for her former teammates, the loss was met with admiration. After the game, Cardoso shared a laugh with Fulwiley, wrapping her in a hug at midcourt. “She’s something special,” Cardoso said. “She was doing this stuff in practice all the time. Now everyone gets to see it.” Hall echoed that sentiment. “When she’s locked in like that, there’s not much you can do. You just hope she misses.”

The respect is mutual. Fulwiley spoke highly of her former teammates, crediting them with helping her develop both as a player and a person. “Playing at South Carolina, I learned how to work, how to lead, and how to stay focused,” she said. “Those women pushed me every day, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

Now, as she steps into a larger role on Team USA, Fulwiley’s star is only beginning to rise. Her name is already being mentioned in conversations about future Olympic teams and WNBA stardom. If this performance was any indication, it’s not a matter of if—it’s when.

What separates Fulwiley isn’t just talent—it’s the joy with which she plays. Every possession feels like an opportunity for something magical. She brings creativity to a game often dominated by structure. She’s an artist with the ball, but also a competitor who plays with edge and intent. That combination is rare. It’s why coaches trust her, fans adore her, and teammates rally around her.

As Team USA continues to prepare for future competitions, Fulwiley’s role is likely to grow. She may have entered camp as one of the younger faces in the group, but she left this game as one of its leaders. On a roster filled with seasoned veterans and elite athletes, she didn’t just fit in—she stood out.

And that might be the most impressive part of all. In a game designed to showcase many of the sport’s brightest stars, MiLaysia Fulwiley made it her own. She beat her former teammates, yes—but more importantly, she captured the spotlight with grace, style, and undeniable substance.

It was a performance that left no doubt: MiLaysia Fulwiley has arrived. And the basketball world is better for it.