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MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina’s basketball sensation and McDonald’s All-American, has decided to enter the transfer portal. The No. 13 ranked recruit leaves behind two incredible seasons with the Gamecocks.
She played off the bench in 74 out of 77 games but left her mark on the program. Her freshman year proved exceptional as she earned SEC tournament MVP honors during the team’s flawless 38-0 national championship run. The momentum carried into her sophomore season where she averaged 11.7 points per game and claimed the SEC Sixth Player of the Year award. Her contributions helped push the Gamecocks to a national runner-up finish.
This talented player’s choice comes at a crucial time. The team recently added Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer, which could have kept Fulwiley’s playing time at 18.9 minutes per game. Coach Dawn Staley’s description of Fulwiley as a “generational talent” makes her availability in the transfer portal particularly noteworthy. With two years of eligibility left, her decision represents one of the most important developments in women’s college basketball.
Columbia Native Departs Hometown Program After Championship Run
A new chapter begins for the Columbia native who first made headlines at W.J. Keenan High School. She became the school’s all-time leading scorer with over 3,000 career points. This local basketball prodigy won four state championships with Keenan, and her experience from hometown hero to national spotlight created a special bond with the South Carolina community.
Her two seasons as a Gamecock showcased her consistent scoring ability off the bench. She started only three games in her 76-game career, yet this dynamic guard played a key role in South Carolina’s championship success. Her highlight-reel plays energized both teammates and fans, especially during her 23-point performance against Maryland in this year’s Sweet 16.
“She can ball,” said one commentator after seeing her signature behind-the-back move against Arkansas. Coach Staley knew about this exceptional talent and said, “I expect her to do the things that she was doing out there for us. I don’t know how it’s going to look because it looks a lot different than most”.
Fans reacted strongly to her transfer announcement. “Not a good decision at all,” wrote one supporter on social media, while another fan responded, “Knew it she ain’t want to come off the bench again. Dawn wasting her talent. Go be great where you’re wanted”.
Playing time played a crucial role in Fulwiley’s decision. She averaged just 18.9 minutes per game in her sophomore year, slightly up from 18.4 minutes in her freshman season. Her marketability grew off the court too, as shown by her groundbreaking NIL deal with Stephen Curry’s brand in March 2024.
Columbia basketball fans feel a mix of emotions. Their homegrown star’s departure ends what seemed like a perfect hometown story.
NIL Star Seeks New Opportunity Beyond Bench Role
Fulwiley’s market value reaches way beyond her on-court contributions at South Carolina. The dynamic guard made history by becoming the first collegiate athlete to sign a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Stephen Curry’s Curry Brand in March 2024. This groundbreaking multi-year partnership brought her signature shoe releases – the Curry Brand Grade MF12 “Butta” and the “FamLAY” Garnet and Black editions. She also landed deals with Red Bull and a restaurant chain called Mr. Seafood.
Her commercial success stood in sharp contrast to her limited court time. She ranked ninth on the team in minutes and averaged just 18.9 per game, even though Coach Staley had called her a “generational talent” with “skill you cannot teach”. The Gamecocks’ six NCAA tournament games saw her play 19 minutes or fewer in four contests. She failed to score double figures in four of those matchups, including the championship loss to UConn.
“When you’re coming off of being the best player, or one of the top best players… always having the ball, it was kind of hard for me to just settle down and understand my role on the team,” Fulwiley told reporters ahead of the Final Four.
Her chances of more playing time looked slim after South Carolina’s roster changes. The team added Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer, while Raven Johnson announced her return for another season. These developments likely pushed Fulwiley toward seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Social media buzzed with fans urging Fulwiley to enter the transfer portal, believing the team wasn’t using her talent fully. One supporter wrote: “Knew it she ain’t want to come off the bench again. Dawn wasting her talent. Go be great where you’re wanted.”
Her combination of marketability, highlight-reel abilities, and untapped potential makes her one of the most valuable players that ever entered the transfer portal in women’s college basketball.
MiLaysia Fulwiley’s entry into the transfer portal has created a buzz, with LSU and Indiana emerging as the frontrunners to land the talented guard.
LSU looks like a great fit under coach Kim Mulkey’s system. Guards get plenty of freedom to create plays, and the Tigers’ roster is changing. Flau’jae Johnson will return for her senior season while Aneesah Morrow heads to the pros. This opens up a perfect spot in the backcourt where Fulwiley’s creative dribbling skills would shine. LSU’s national profile and media presence could also boost Fulwiley’s existing deal with Curry Brand.
Indiana tells a different story after losing nine players – three graduated and six entered the transfer portal. The departure of key player Lexus Bargesser leaves the Hoosiers’ backcourt wide open. Big Ten coach Teri Moren’s system needs Fulwiley’s talents right now. She would get plenty of playing time and become the team’s main offensive weapon from day one.
Several other big-name programs want Fulwiley too. TCU, Notre Dame, UConn, N.C. State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Louisville, Clemson, and Maryland have all shown interest. Each school brings something special to the table. Ole Miss was one of her top five choices during high school recruitment, while Louisville has a strong record of sending players to the pros.
The NCAA transfer portal closes on April 22, so Fulwiley needs to decide soon. She’ll likely pick her next school based on playing time, how well she fits with the coaching style, NIL opportunities, and where she can make the biggest impact right away.
Fulwiley’s exit from South Carolina creates a defining moment in women’s college basketball. Her decision shows how player movement and NIL deals continue to revolutionize the sport. Her highlight-reel talent, success with Curry Brand, and championship experience make her entry into the transfer portal most important.
LSU and Indiana lead the pack as top programs compete to land her. Basketball analysts across social media emphasize how big this move could be. ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo tweeted, “Fulwiley could be an immediate game-changer for any program. Her ceiling remains incredibly high.” CBS Sports‘ Maggie Lucas added, “This transfer could alter next season’s championship picture.
This Columbia native’s rise from hometown hero to national star shows how college athletics has changed. Her next team will need to offer both major playing time and better NIL deals. The April 22 transfer portal deadline looms closer, and Fulwiley’s choice might set new standards for star athletes who weigh hometown ties against bigger opportunities elsewhere.
