The world of women’s college basketball has been shaken by the announcement that MiLaysia Fulwiley, a standout sophomore guard from South Carolina, has transferred to their SEC rival, the LSU Tigers. Fulwiley confirmed the news herself through social media, adding even more heat to the already intense rivalry between two of the nation’s top programs.
Fulwiley’s choice to head to Baton Rouge marks a significant turning point in her career after two highly successful seasons under the tutelage of South Carolina’s Dawn Staley. A former top recruit, the electrifying 5-foot-10 guard made an immediate impact at South Carolina, helping to solidify their status as a dominant force in women’s college basketball.
During her freshman year in the 2023–24 season, Fulwiley was an essential piece of South Carolina’s undefeated national championship run. Coming off the bench, she demonstrated her dynamic scoring ability, averaging 11.7 points and 2.2 assists per game, and captured SEC All-Freshman Team honors along with an MVP award at the SEC Tournament after a standout performance against LSU.
Choosing to transfer within the conference—and to a rival program, no less—speaks volumes about both Fulwiley’s ambitions and the evolving environment of college basketball today. Though she hasn’t publicly explained her reasons, it’s clear that the opportunity for a larger role and the chance to play for Kim Mulkey at LSU played influential roles in her decision.
LSU Under Mulkey’s leadership, LSU has blossomed into a juggernaut, capturing the 2023 national title and continuing to attract elite recruits and transfers. Fulwiley’s addition only strengthens an already star-studded roster and cements LSU’s place among the sport’s top contenders.
Mulkey didn’t hide her enthusiasm about the move, expressing excitement about Fulwiley’s playmaking and her ability to change games. She welcomed her newest Tiger with glowing praise, emphasizing the significant impact Fulwiley is expected to have in Baton Rouge.
Fulwiley joins an already loaded LSU backcourt, featuring standout Flau’jae Johnson and rising star Mikaylah Williams. Together, the trio could form one of the most dangerous combinations in college basketball, with many already dubbing them the best “Big Three” in the sport.
Johnson, for her part, welcomed Fulwiley enthusiastically on social media, using Fulwiley’s “butter” nickname to celebrate the new addition. When asked whether LSU now has the best Big Three, Johnson confidently responded, “Yes,” further building excitement around their potential dominance.
Still, Fulwiley’s arrival introduces important questions about how LSU will balance so much talent. Each of the three guards is accustomed to being a primary option, and Mulkey will face the challenge of designing a system that optimizes all three without sacrificing team chemistry.
For South Carolina, losing Fulwiley is a major blow. Although Staley has already made important additions to her roster—including star guard Ta’Niya Latson and post player Madina Okot—replacing Fulwiley’s special blend of creativity, explosiveness, and flair will be no easy task.
Staley has often praised Fulwiley’s extraordinary abilities while also noting her need for maturity and restraint at times. Now, without Fulwiley, the Gamecocks will have to rely on new sources of offensive creation and adapt their style to continue their winning tradition.
Fulwiley’s transfer also highlights the broader impact of the transfer portal in women’s college basketball. With increased player mobility and the rise of NIL opportunities, athletes now have more freedom to pursue the best fit for their careers, creating a dynamic and sometimes volatile environment for teams.
The rivalry between South Carolina and LSU was already one of the fiercest in the sport, but Fulwiley’s move adds even more drama. The SEC, already a powerhouse conference, now looks even more competitive with these two giants set to clash with renewed intensity.
As Fulwiley prepares to suit up for LSU, fans are eagerly anticipating how her talent will mesh with her new teammates and how South Carolina will respond to her departure. The upcoming season promises no shortage of intrigue, with Fulwiley’s move potentially signaling a shift in the balance of power in the SEC.
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