Regarding MiLaysia Fulwiley’s move from South Carolina women’s basketball to LSU, Dawn Staley

The world of women’s college basketball was rocked in April 2025 when MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina’s hometown hero and one of the sport’s most electrifying young talents, entered the transfer portal and committed to play for archrival LSU. In an era defined by player mobility and NIL-fueled opportunities, Fulwiley’s decision still caught many off guard—not just for its shock value, but for what it means to the future of two of the game’s premier programs.

This article delves into the full story: the rise of MiLaysia Fulwiley, her impact at South Carolina, why she left, the reaction from Coach Dawn Staley and the basketball world, and how her move to Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers will reshape the SEC in 2025 and beyond.

MiLaysia Fulwiley isn’t just another talented guard—she’s a Columbia, South Carolina native who carried the dreams of the local basketball faithful on her shoulders. Long before she suited up for the Gamecocks, Fulwiley had already made history. She starred at W.J. Keenan High School, joining the varsity team in seventh grade and leading them to four state titles over six seasons.

With her dazzling handles, court vision, and flair for the dramatic, Fulwiley was a social media sensation and a five-star recruit. She was the No. 13 overall prospect in the class of 2023 and played in the McDonald’s All-American Game. Her highlight reel plays made national headlines—she was often compared to the likes of Kyrie Irving and Allen Iverson for her creativity.

Choosing South Carolina, just minutes from her home, seemed like destiny. The opportunity to play for Dawn Staley, another Philadelphia-born guard who had become an icon in Columbia, was too good to pass up.

As a freshman during the 2023-24 season, Fulwiley showed flashes of brilliance off the bench. She averaged 11.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, helping lead the Gamecocks to a perfect 38-0 record and a national title. Her fearless play and ability to score at all three levels made her one of the most exciting players in the country.

Despite her production, Fulwiley started only 3 of her 77 games over two seasons. Staley, known for building deep, defensively focused rosters, often leaned on veterans and rotated guards. Fulwiley’s minutes fluctuated, and while she made the SEC All-Freshman Team and was named SEC Tournament MVP, many questioned why a player of her caliber wasn’t a regular starter.

To understand Fulwiley’s decision, one must understand Dawn Staley’s approach. Staley’s Gamecocks have been the model of consistency: championships, Final Four appearances, and elite defense. But that success has come with sacrifices—namely, in how minutes are distributed.

Staley frequently plays 10 to 12 players in meaningful games. This depth-first approach keeps the roster fresh but can stifle player development, especially for stars craving more time and freedom. In Fulwiley’s case, the 5-foot-6 guard often played behind veteran Raven Johnson and transfer addition Te-Hina Paopao.

Compounding the issue was South Carolina’s 2025 offseason. The Gamecocks brought in another elite guard in Ta’Niya Latson from Florida State—a ball-dominant scorer and ACC Rookie of the Year. With Johnson returning, and Latson incoming, Fulwiley was faced with an increasingly crowded backcourt.

Shortly after the 2025 title celebration, Fulwiley entered the transfer portal. Rumors swirled about where she might go. Would she seek a program out west? Go to a team where she’d have the ball in her hands more? Few expected her to choose LSU.

Yet, the decision made a lot of sense.

Kim Mulkey was reloading after Angel Reese’s departure to the WNBA and needed another dynamic perimeter player to pair with Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams. LSU offered Fulwiley a system where she’d likely start, handle the ball, and be given the offensive freedom she craved. And with NIL opportunities booming in Baton Rouge, the Tigers had the resources to offer more than just playing time.

On May 22, Coach Staley broke her silence during an appearance on The Breakfast Club, addressing Fulwiley’s departure with surprising candor. She revealed that Fulwiley and her mother had discussed the possibility of transferring during the postseason.

“She just wanted something different,” Staley said. “And I understand that. MiLaysia is a generational talent. Maybe she felt she wasn’t growing the way she wanted.”

Staley insisted there was no rift, and even praised Fulwiley’s fit at LSU. But there was also a note of disappointment in her voice—not just from losing a hometown star, but from the growing pressures coaches face in retaining elite talent.

The college basketball community exploded with hot takes.

Some fans blamed Staley for “not doing enough” to keep Fulwiley. Others defended the coach’s philosophy, arguing that depth and shared minutes helped win championships.

WNBA legend Lisa Leslie commented on the move, saying, “The grass may seem greener, but it still needs watering.” She suggested that young stars like Fulwiley sometimes lack patience in the transfer portal era.

On social media, however, Fulwiley received an outpouring of love. Former teammates like Paopao, Bree Hall, and Kamilla Cardoso expressed support. LSU fans, meanwhile, rejoiced—labeling the trio of Fulwiley, Johnson, and Williams as “the new Bayou Big 3.”

Kim Mulkey knows exactly what she’s getting: electricity.

Fulwiley is one of the few guards in the nation who can create a shot from nothing. Her handles, burst, and fearless finishing make her a matchup nightmare. LSU lacked that kind of perimeter dynamism last season, especially against elite defenses.

In Baton Rouge, Fulwiley is expected to play point guard and be the team’s offensive engine. She’ll share duties with Johnson but should lead the team in usage rate. With a green light and more space, many expect her scoring average to jump significantly.

Still, the transition won’t be seamless. LSU has question marks in the frontcourt after the departures of Reese and Aneesah Morrow. Defense remains a concern, especially with a guard-heavy lineup.

Mulkey will need to strike a balance—giving Fulwiley the offensive reins while maintaining discipline. The pressure will be immense. Anything less than a Final Four could be viewed as a failure, especially given the program’s investment and star power.

Fulwiley’s move reflects a larger shift in women’s college hoops. The transfer portal is now as important as high school recruiting. NIL deals, social media presence, and brand building are part of the equation.

Gone are the days when players stayed all four years out of loyalty. Even generational hometown heroes can bolt if the system doesn’t suit them. This new era forces coaches to adapt quickly or risk losing their best talent.

It also means that rivalries are no longer just about schools—they’re personal. When LSU travels to Columbia next season, expect fireworks. Fulwiley returning to face the program she once carried as a freshman? That’s must-see TV.

Staley isn’t panicking. With Latson, Johnson, and a loaded freshman class, South Carolina is still a title contender. The Gamecocks’ culture of defense and depth remains intact.

But Fulwiley’s departure is a wake-up call. Even a program as dominant as South Carolina can’t rest easy. Player satisfaction—both on and off the court—has never been more crucial.

Kim Mulkey, once again, has pulled off a recruiting coup. Fulwiley gives LSU the kind of shot-maker that can win games in March. If she develops into a more consistent defender and decision-maker, she could be a top WNBA draft pick in 2026.

The Tigers now boast one of the most explosive backcourts in the country. Their offense will be faster, flashier, and more unpredictable. Mulkey will have to mold that raw talent into a disciplined machine—but if she does, LSU could be the favorite to win it all.

MiLaysia Fulwiley’s story is still being written. At South Carolina, she was a spark off the bench—a highlight machine who helped deliver a national title. At LSU, she aims to be the centerpiece.

Whether this chapter ends in more championships or teaches hard lessons, one thing is clear: her move is one of the most significant transfers in women’s college basketball history.

And when she steps back onto the floor in Colonial Life Arena wearing purple and gold, the stakes won’t just be about winning. They’ll be about legacy, loyalty, and the ever-evolving game of women’s basketball.