In a significant move that has sent ripples through the world of women’s college basketball, former South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley has officially committed to LSU, as announced on social media on Friday, April 25, 2025. The transfer comes in the wake of South Carolina's heartbreaking loss to UConn in the NCAA championship game, a match that marked the end of a remarkable season for the Gamecocks.
Fulwiley, who will be a junior next season, has been a pivotal player for South Carolina, averaging 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in just under 19 minutes of play per game during the past season. Her consistent performance mirrored her freshman year, where she also averaged 11.7 points, along with 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in slightly less playing time (18.4 minutes per game). Despite her impressive stats, Fulwiley started only three of her 77 games over two seasons with the Gamecocks, often coming off the bench to provide a crucial scoring spark.
Known for her speed and agility, Fulwiley showcased her scoring prowess throughout the season, particularly in the NCAA tournament where she delivered standout performances, including a 23-point outing against Maryland. She finished the season with four games scoring over 20 points, proving to be an invaluable asset for the Gamecocks as they made their way to the national title game.
Fulwiley's decision to transfer comes as LSU faces a significant roster overhaul, having lost five players to the transfer portal. This includes all five forwards and centers from last season's team. With the addition of Fulwiley, the Tigers are looking to strengthen their backcourt, which already features notable talents like Mikaylah Williams and Flau'jae Johnson. Coach Kim Mulkey expressed her excitement about Fulwiley’s arrival, stating, “I’m excited to welcome MiLaysia as the newest member of our LSU Tiger family! She’s bringing her incredible playmaking ability to Baton Rouge, standing out as one of the most electrifying talents in college basketball.”
Fulwiley’s playmaking skills and ability to finish in transition are expected to complement the existing talent on the LSU roster. However, her transition to a more prominent role will require her to improve her handling of turnovers, which have been an issue during her time at South Carolina. Nevertheless, her experience playing in high-pressure situations, including two national championship games, will serve her well as she steps into a starting role for the first time.
The rivalry between South Carolina and LSU has intensified in recent years, particularly since Mulkey took the helm of the Tigers in 2021. The Gamecocks currently hold a 17-game win streak over LSU, including a victory in the 2024 SEC Championship game. Fulwiley's transfer adds another layer of intrigue to future matchups, with fans eagerly anticipating how she will perform against her former team.
Fulwiley's journey began in Columbia, where she was a highly sought-after recruit and a local star at Keenan High School. Her accolades include being named the SEC’s Sixth Woman of the Year after finishing second in scoring for South Carolina this past season. In her two years with the Gamecocks, she played in 76 games, contributing significantly to the team’s success, including a national championship victory during her freshman year.
As Fulwiley prepares to don the purple and gold of LSU, she joins a growing list of players who have made headlines in the transfer portal this offseason. Alongside Fulwiley, LSU has also secured commitments from Kate Koval, Serah Williams, and Amiya Joyner, building what many consider the best transfer portal class in the country for the second time in three seasons. This strategic recruitment is crucial as the Tigers look to reclaim their status among the elite teams in women’s basketball.
Fulwiley’s career thus far has been marked by resilience and determination, and her upcoming chapter at LSU promises to be just as thrilling. With two years of eligibility remaining, she has the opportunity to not only enhance her game but also to contribute to LSU’s quest for a national title. As the Tigers gear up for the next season, all eyes will be on Fulwiley as she looks to make her mark in Baton Rouge.
The anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable, as fans and analysts alike speculate on how Fulwiley will fit into the Tigers' lineup. Will she be able to elevate her game and help LSU reclaim its place among the top teams in the SEC? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: MiLaysia Fulwiley is ready to shine at LSU.
