MiLaysia Fulwiley: A Rising Star in College Basketball
MiLaysia Fulwiley has been a prominent figure in college basketball for several seasons, establishing herself as one of the standout players at the University of South Carolina before entering the transfer portal. Known for her impressive skills as a point guard, Fulwiley’s ability to control the tempo of the game, her court vision, and her scoring prowess have made her a coveted prospect in the transfer market.
Born and raised in South Carolina, Fulwiley began her basketball career in high school, where she was regarded as one of the top recruits in her class. She played for the nationally ranked and competitive team at Westwood High School in Blythewood, SC. Her high school career was marked by numerous accolades, including state championships, district honors, and All-State selections. As a recruit, Fulwiley drew attention from several high-profile programs, eventually choosing to play for the South Carolina Gamecocks under legendary head coach Dawn Staley.
Fulwiley joined South Carolina in 2021, a time when the program was already an established powerhouse in women’s basketball. Under Coach Staley’s leadership, the Gamecocks had built a national reputation, with multiple SEC titles and a NCAA championship to their name. Despite the presence of established stars like Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal, Fulwiley quickly made an impression on the court.
Her freshman year saw her gradually becoming an important player off the bench, contributing in various aspects of the game. Although she wasn’t a starter from the get-go, Fulwiley showcased her ability to provide scoring, playmaking, and leadership when called upon. Her basketball IQ and maturity for a freshman were evident as she demonstrated the poise of a seasoned player, often running the offense and making critical decisions in high-pressure moments.
During her sophomore season, Fulwiley’s role expanded further, and she showed significant improvement. Her offensive game became more dynamic as she increased her scoring output while maintaining her excellent passing and court awareness. By her third season, Fulwiley had become an integral piece of the Gamecocks’ puzzle, contributing to their deep tournament runs. However, despite her success, it became clear that Fulwiley was looking for new challenges and an opportunity to step into a more prominent role, which eventually led her to enter the transfer portal.
The LSU Tigers, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, have quickly become one of the most exciting programs in women’s basketball. After Mulkey’s arrival in 2021, the Tigers made significant strides in both recruiting and performance. In her first year, Mulkey transformed LSU into a national contender, culminating in a national championship win in 2023. This victory solidified Mulkey’s reputation as one of the best coaches in the game, and her ability to recruit high-level talent has only grown since then.
LSU’s roster already includes some of the brightest stars in women’s basketball, including players like Angel Reese, Alexis Morris, and Flau’jae Johnson. Reese, in particular, has become a household name, dominating in the paint and leading LSU to an NCAA title. With a roster that is deep, talented, and experienced, LSU is in a position to contend for championships year after year. However, adding a player like Fulwiley could further elevate the Tigers’ chances of securing multiple titles in the years to come.
Fulwiley’s addition to LSU would provide several immediate benefits. As a point guard, she would be a natural fit in LSU’s fast-paced, up-tempo style of play. LSU thrives on pushing the ball in transition, and Fulwiley’s ability to run the floor, distribute the ball, and create opportunities for her teammates would mesh well with the Tigers’ overall strategy.
In terms of skill set, Fulwiley excels as both a scorer and a facilitator. While she has the ability to create her own shot and score in various ways, she also excels in setting up her teammates for easy baskets. This would complement LSU’s already potent offensive weapons, such as Reese in the post and Morris as a scoring guard. Fulwiley’s court vision and leadership would make her an excellent floor general, directing traffic and keeping the offense organized.
Beyond her scoring and playmaking, Fulwiley is a tenacious defender, a quality that would enhance LSU’s already stout defense. Her ability to lock down opposing guards and pressure the ball would add another layer of intensity to LSU’s defensive strategy, which has been a hallmark of Mulkey’s coaching philosophy.
Adding a player of Fulwiley’s caliber would undoubtedly improve LSU’s chances of remaining at the top of women’s college basketball. With Angel Reese and others returning, the addition of a dynamic point guard like Fulwiley could create one of the most formidable rosters in the country. Her experience playing for a championship contender at South Carolina would also make her a valuable asset in high-pressure situations, where experience and leadership are crucial.
Given LSU’s strong recruiting class and the depth of their roster, Fulwiley’s presence could help the Tigers balance their offensive and defensive play, making them even more dangerous in both SEC competition and national tournament play. Her ability to step in and take on a leading role would also provide coach Kim Mulkey with greater flexibility, allowing her to rotate players more effectively and keep her stars fresh throughout the season.
Furthermore, Fulwiley’s transfer to LSU would likely send a message to the rest of the women’s college basketball landscape: LSU is serious about maintaining its dominance. By adding one of the top players from South Carolina’s roster, the Tigers would solidify their place as a true powerhouse in the sport. Teams across the country would take note, knowing that LSU is not just resting on its laurels after a championship win but is actively working to stay on top.
While many schools would be eager to land a player like Fulwiley, LSU stands out for several reasons. First, the team’s established winning culture under Coach Mulkey provides a stable and successful environment where Fulwiley could thrive. Mulkey is renowned for her ability to develop players and her track record of success, which would be appealing to any player looking to take their game to the next level.
Second, LSU’s recruiting infrastructure, both on and off the court, is designed to help players reach their full potential. Fulwiley would benefit from working alongside some of the best players in the nation and learning from an elite coaching staff. The chance to compete for another national championship in an environment that fosters both individual and team growth could be a major draw for Fulwiley as she looks to continue her development as a player.
Lastly, LSU’s exposure in both the SEC and on the national stage would give Fulwiley an opportunity to showcase her talents to a larger audience. The SEC is known for its high level of competition, and being a part of a top-tier program like LSU would place Fulwiley in the spotlight, further enhancing her visibility as a potential WNBA prospect.
If Fulwiley were to transfer to LSU, it would be part of a growing trend in women’s college basketball, where the transfer portal has allowed players to move between programs and find the best fit for their careers. This dynamic has created new opportunities for both players and programs, with schools like LSU benefitting from the influx of high-level talent.
The rise of the transfer portal has altered the recruiting landscape, making it easier for established programs to reload quickly, but also creating new challenges for schools to maintain continuity and chemistry. LSU’s success in navigating this environment is a testament to Coach Mulkey’s ability to adapt and build a program that attracts top talent, not just through traditional recruiting, but also through the portal.
In addition, Fulwiley’s move to LSU could inspire other players to consider transferring to elite programs that provide the opportunity to win championships and develop their game. As the transfer portal continues to shape the future of college basketball, the ability to attract top-tier players from other programs will be a key component of building championship-caliber teams.
MiLaysia Fulwiley’s potential transfer to LSU could have far-reaching implications for both her career and the future of LSU women’s basketball. As a player with immense skill, experience, and leadership ability, Fulwiley could be the missing piece that elevates LSU’s already formidable roster to even greater heights. For LSU, adding a player like Fulwiley would solidify their position as a dominant force in women’s basketball, ensuring that they remain contenders for years to come. For Fulwiley, the opportunity to join a program with a winning culture, elite coaching, and championship aspirations could be the perfect next step in her basketball journey.
As the transfer portal continues to reshape the landscape of women’s college basketball, LSU’s pursuit of Fulwiley highlights the importance of staying competitive in an ever-changing environment. If the Tigers land her, they will not only gain a talented player but also send a strong message about their intentions to remain at the pinnacle of women’s college basketball. Whether Fulwiley ultimately chooses LSU or another destination, her decision will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and coaches alike, as it could set the tone for future transfer moves in the sport.
