Dawn Staley shares her thoughts on MiLaysia Fulwiley moving to LSU.

Coach Dawn Staley Discusses Milaysia Fulwiley’s Transfer

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has been making the rounds promoting her new book, “Uncommon Abef.” Recently, she was featured on the well-known New York radio show, The Breakfast Club, where she shared her insights on various topics, including her thoughts about star players Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese and the state of women’s basketball.

During the conversation, the discussion turned to a significant event in college basketball this offseason: Milaysia Fulwiley’s decision to leave Staley’s Gamecocks for Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers.

When host Charlamagne Tha God asked Staley about Fulwiley’s transfer, she expressed that she wasn’t surprised. “Are you shocked? No,” she replied. “In this line of work, you learn to expect the unexpected. I still have love for Miraisia.”

Staley recounted how Fulwiley and her mother came for a postseason meeting where Fulwiley expressed her desire to enter the transfer portal. Staley responded by asking, “Do you think or do you know?” She emphasized that her main concern was Fulwiley’s happiness.

“I told her, ‘Don’t look back… you’ll always be a Gamecock. You’re always welcome here,'” Staley shared. “I truly wish her the best, and when I say it… I will. I really will.”

Staley further praised Fulwiley, stating, “I believe she has a bright future ahead. She’s a generational talent, and what she does on the court is something I’ve never seen from a female player.”

Over her two years at South Carolina, the 5-foot-10 Fulwiley from Columbia showcased her athleticism and potential. She’s shown creativity and swagger, hinting at her capability to become a star in the sport. However, her growth seemed to stagnate last season under Staley. She averaged just 0.5 minutes per game and did not start, which contrasted sharply with her freshman year stats. Despite this, there was a point when Staley relied on Fulwiley during critical moments, notably her impressive 23-point, five-rebound performance that helped propel the Gamecocks to a victory over Maryland in the Sweet 16.

Following their defeat to UConn in the national title game, speculation about Fulwiley’s future grew due to her limited role. Just a week later, South Carolina secured a commitment from Ta’niya Latson from Florida, further intensifying the rumor mill about Fulwiley’s transfer.

“I was developing under Miraisia… I’m ready to make the most of my time now at LSU,” she said. “We worked through some challenges together; many players leave due to lack of playing time, but it’s not always about that — we treat them well here.”