The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team is facing a significant loss as standout sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley has entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Fulwiley’s departure was confirmed by her mother in a statement to The State newspaper on Friday, catching many by surprise and signaling a major shake-up for the team moving forward.
According to reports from multiple insiders, Fulwiley’s decision to transfer is a major blow to head coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks, especially after their recent loss to UConn in the national championship game.
Fulwiley, who played 18 minutes and scored nine points off the bench in that game, still has two years of eligibility remaining.
Coach Staley has often referred to Fulwiley as a “generational talent” due to the tremendous impact she’s had during her time with the program.
Over two seasons, she appeared in 76 games and played a key role in helping South Carolina win a national championship as a freshman.
In her sophomore campaign, she averaged 11.8 points per game — the second highest on the team — and was named the SEC’s Sixth Woman of the Year.
A local product from Keenan High School in Columbia, Fulwiley was a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 13 overall prospect in the Class of 2023.
Her electrifying play and scoring ability made her a fan favorite and an essential part of the Gamecocks’ recent success.
With Fulwiley now exploring other opportunities, South Carolina is expected to be aggressive in the transfer portal to fill the void left by her departure.
More updates on her next move and the Gamecocks’ recruiting efforts are expected in the coming days.
