COLUMBIA — South Carolina women’s basketball standout MiLaysia Fulwiley is reportedly planning to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to sources who spoke with *The Greenville News* on Friday. While no official announcement has been made by Fulwiley or the program, the move would mark a significant shift for the Gamecocks and head coach Dawn Staley.
Fulwiley, a 5-foot-10 guard and Columbia native, has quickly become a household name in women’s college basketball. A former five-star recruit out of Keenan High School, just miles from South Carolina’s Colonial Life Arena, Fulwiley was hailed as the next hometown hero after choosing the Gamecocks — following in the footsteps of program legend A’ja Wilson.
In her sophomore season, Fulwiley played a key role off the bench, averaging 11.7 points per game — second-highest on the team — along with 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals. Her dynamic style of play and flair for the dramatic made her a fan favorite and a vital spark for the Gamecocks throughout the season.
She was named the SEC Sixth Player of the Year for her efforts and earned MVP honors in the 2024 SEC Tournament after scoring 24 points in the championship game against LSU. Fulwiley’s star continued to rise as she dropped a game-high 23 points in South Carolina’s Sweet 16 win over Maryland, one of three games where she scored 22 or more points this season. Her season-high came in a February 23 win over Vanderbilt, where she tallied 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting.
Her decision to enter the portal — which opened March 25 and closes April 22 — comes amid a wave of change within South Carolina’s backcourt. The recent commitment of Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson and the return of starting point guard Raven Johnson has created a more crowded guard rotation. With sophomore guard Tessa Johnson also returning, there was speculation Fulwiley’s minutes could take a hit next season.
Despite playing just 18.9 minutes per game, Fulwiley was a force on both ends of the floor. She shot 42.6% from the field and 25.8% from beyond the arc, and her ability to create her own shot and push the tempo was often a game-changer for South Carolina.
Off the court, Fulwiley made waves as the first college athlete to sign with Steph Curry’s Curry Brand. She debuted two custom shoes during the season, a testament to her growing influence both on and off the court.
Though Fulwiley’s name may enter the transfer portal, players are still allowed to withdraw and return to their teams even after the portal closes, leaving a sliver of hope for South Carolina fans who have embraced her as one of their own.
Whether she stays or goes, Fulwiley has already left an indelible mark on the Gamecocks program, helping lead the team to a national championship in 2023 and a runner-up finish in 2024. Her next move will undoubtedly be closely followed as one of the most electrifying guards in the country considers her options.
