LSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BUZZ: TIGERS EMERGING AS FAVORITES TO LAND MILAYSIA FULWILEY AND SERAH WILLIAMS

By Mary John

As the transfer portal continues to shape the college basketball landscape, few programs have stirred more excitement — or concern from their rivals — than Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers. Already a national powerhouse and recent national champion, LSU is now being widely viewed as the favorite to land not one but two of the most electrifying players available in the women’s game: South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley and Wisconsin forward Serah Williams.

If Mulkey pulls off the stunning double commitment, LSU could be poised to field one of the most exciting and explosive rosters in the nation next season. The buzz is real in Baton Rouge — and it’s not just hype. It’s a potential turning point for a program already flirting with dynasty status.

The NCAA transfer portal has become the modern battleground for college basketball powerhouses. NIL money, brand visibility, competitive opportunity, and coaching pedigree all factor heavily into decisions for the game’s best talent. LSU, under Kim Mulkey, has leaned into that era with unmatched gusto.

In 2023, Mulkey shocked the world by landing Louisville star Hailey Van Lith and DePaul standout Aneesah Morrow. Now, just two years later, she’s positioning herself for another unprecedented haul — this time from two players who, if paired, could redefine what “positionless” basketball means in the women’s game.

MiLaysia Fulwiley, a 5-foot-10 guard from Columbia, South Carolina, is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in recent memory. A McDonald’s All-American and former five-star recruit, Fulwiley dazzled during her freshman season with the Gamecocks. Though she played in a loaded rotation under Dawn Staley, Fulwiley routinely turned heads with her flashy ball-handling, fearless drives, and highlight-reel passes.

Her game evokes memories of Kyrie Irving or Allen Iverson — unpredictable, creative, uncontainable at her best. But unlike many flash-over-substance guards, Fulwiley pairs her flair with efficiency and composure beyond her years.

In LSU’s wide-open, up-tempo system, she could be unleashed in ways that even South Carolina’s structured scheme never fully allowed. A starting role seems inevitable. The marketing appeal — especially in Baton Rouge — would be off the charts.

Then there’s Serah Williams, a 6-foot-4 forward from Wisconsin who emerged as one of the best frontcourt players in the Big Ten. As a sophomore, she averaged 16.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, showcasing both skill and physical dominance. Her footwork, motor, and interior presence made her nearly unguardable at times — and that was with Wisconsin struggling overall as a program.

Williams is the kind of versatile big every coach dreams of: she can run the floor, defend multiple positions, and anchor a half-court offense. If paired with LSU’s current roster, she would provide the interior force needed to open up the floor for Fulwiley and other guards.

Together, they wouldn’t just be stars. They’d be strategic complements — the kind of inside-out duo that wins championships.

Why are so many top-tier players considering LSU? The answer begins — and arguably ends — with Kim Mulkey.

Love her or hate her, Mulkey is undeniably one of the most effective recruiters and culture builders in women’s sports. She has won at every stop, cultivated stars, and built rosters with as much personality as firepower. With a national title in 2023, LSU proved it could not only attract stars, but mold them into a winning unit.

For Fulwiley and Williams, LSU offers a combination of factors few programs can match:

• NIL Opportunity: LSU boasts one of the most lucrative and active NIL networks in women’s sports, with brands eager to work with its high-profile athletes.
• Winning Pedigree: Under Mulkey, LSU is always in the championship conversation. Fulwiley and Williams would join a team that expects Final Fours, not just tournament bids.
• Media Exposure: From sold-out crowds to national broadcasts, LSU women’s basketball is a cultural phenomenon in Baton Rouge.
• Player Development: Mulkey has a track record of turning talent into top WNBA prospects. Just ask Angel Reese, Flau’Jae Johnson, or Alexis Morris.

Add to that the potential to share the court with dynamic returners like Johnson and Morrow, and it’s clear LSU offers a dream scenario for any elite player.

Should Fulwiley commit to LSU, she would likely start at point guard, filling a crucial need after the departure of Van Lith. Unlike Van Lith, who often struggled in Mulkey’s system due to her need for ball dominance, Fulwiley thrives in chaos — and that’s a good thing.

LSU’s offense is built on pace, mismatch exploitation, and spacing. Fulwiley’s ability to blow past defenders, collapse defenses, and either finish or kick to shooters would supercharge the Tigers’ offense. Her presence would also reduce the burden on Flau’Jae Johnson to create off the dribble, allowing her to thrive as a scorer.

There’s also the off-court angle: Fulwiley has star power. Her flair, charisma, and social media following would make her the face of the team from day one — and that’s not a bad thing in today’s college sports ecosystem.

While Fulwiley brings electricity to the perimeter, Williams would bring muscle, versatility, and interior dominance. She would likely slide into the starting 5 spot, allowing Morrow to play more freely at the 4 — or vice versa, depending on matchups.

In essence, Williams would do for LSU what Aliyah Boston did for South Carolina: stabilize everything. Her ability to protect the rim, rebound in traffic, and finish through contact would give the Tigers a security blanket on both ends.

Perhaps most importantly, Williams is a mature, battle-tested player. She knows how to lead by example. After carrying a struggling Wisconsin team, she’d likely welcome the chance to share the load in Baton Rouge — while still being a star in her own right.

While LSU leads the race for both players, nothing is final until pen meets paper.

South Carolina is reportedly still fighting to retain Fulwiley, and several Big Ten contenders are pitching Williams on staying closer to home. But Mulkey’s track record suggests she often wins these battles — especially when she’s all-in.

According to multiple sources, LSU has made both players a priority. Flau’Jae Johnson is believed to be actively recruiting Fulwiley behind the scenes, and Morrow has made social media pitches to Williams. The message is clear: come to Baton Rouge and win.

LSU has also become more aggressive in shaping its NIL strategy for women’s basketball, especially after Angel Reese turned her time in Baton Rouge into a multimillion-dollar brand. Fulwiley and Williams would not only be expected to dominate on the court — they’d have massive off-court earning potential.

If LSU lands both Fulwiley and Williams, the national landscape shifts instantly.

• UConn, despite returning stars and adding elite recruits, would have real competition in athleticism and depth.
• South Carolina, while still a juggernaut, would lose a hometown star and face a major SEC rival ascendant in talent.
• Iowa, now without Caitlin Clark, may struggle to keep pace with LSU’s firepower.
• UCLA and USC, rising powers on the West Coast, would be put on notice: Baton Rouge remains the epicenter of women’s basketball.

It would also create a new narrative: that in the NIL/portal era, no program adapts better than LSU.

With or without these two players, LSU is built for sustained success. But with them, we might be looking at a new blueprint for how dynasties are built in college athletics.

Gone are the days of four-year plans and patient development. In today’s game, it’s about immediate impact, brand synergy, and roster flexibility. Mulkey’s willingness to adapt — while maintaining her old-school intensity — has set LSU apart.

If Fulwiley and Williams sign on, it won’t just be a coup. It’ll be a signal to every elite high schooler and portal entrant in America: LSU is where stars shine, win, and cash in

The buzz is more than justified. LSU is on the cusp of something historic. If Kim Mulkey adds MiLaysia Fulwiley and Serah Williams to a roster already brimming with talent, the Tigers won’t just be SEC favorites — they’ll be the team to beat nationally.

From highlight plays to title expectations, the Tigers could redefine what women’s college basketball looks like in 2025.

And if you thought last year was wild in Baton Rouge, just wait.