South Carolina women’s basketball is undergoing a major roster shakeup, as sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley has officially entered the transfer portal. The news, first reported by Lulu Kesin of the Greenville News, comes as a surprise given Fulwiley’s standout performance over the past two seasons.
A Columbia native and former Keenan High School star, Fulwiley played a key role in the Gamecocks’ 2024 national championship run. Despite coming off the bench, she averaged 11.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, earning All-SEC honors and the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year award.
Off the court, Fulwiley made headlines with a historic NIL deal, becoming the first college athlete to sign with Curry Brand and also landing a global partnership with Red Bull. Her electrifying play — including a viral coast-to-coast layup that drew praise from Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant — made her a fan favorite and a rising star in the sport.
While her departure is a significant loss for Dawn Staley’s squad, the Gamecocks are reloading fast. Florida State star Ta’Niya Latson, one of the top scorers in the nation, is transferring to South Carolina. Latson, who averaged 21.3 points per game last season, brings elite offensive firepower and immediately fills the gap left by Fulwiley.
As the Gamecocks prepare for their title defense, the lineup changes mark the start of a new chapter — one that promises continued dominance with fresh star power.
Update April 25, 2025
MiLaysia Fulwiley announced on social media that she’s transferring to LSU, instantly becoming one of the most high-profile pickups of this year’s transfer portal.
Fulwiley, who’ll be a junior next season, was a key part of Coach Dawn Staley’s powerhouse rotation at South Carolina — averaging 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in under 19 minutes per game this past season. She brought instant offense, elite finishing in transition, and that electric, highlight-ready energy fans couldn’t get enough of.
She is again joining a guard-heavy squad, as LSU is led by stars Mikaylah Williams and Flau’jae Johnson, but she’ll likely have more opportunity to shine in Baton Rouge with added playing time on the table.
Over two seasons and 77 games, Fulwiley built her reputation as a game-changer off the bench, shooting 43.2% from the field and 30.2% from deep, and showing flashes of stardom every time she stepped on the court.
LSU has now reloaded in a big way, adding Fulwiley alongside Kate Koval, Serah Williams, and Amiya Joyner — a huge bounce-back after losing all five of their front-court players to the portal or graduation.
With Fulwiley in purple and gold, the Tigers just got a lot more dangerous.
