MiLaysia Fulwiley, one of the most electrifying young guards in college basketball, has entered the transfer portal, and all eyes are on where the South Carolina standout will land next. Early signs point to the LSU Tigers as a potential destination, setting the stage for one of the most impactful transfers in recent women’s college basketball history.
Fulwiley’s entry into the portal immediately sparked a firestorm of speculation. A South Carolina native who stayed home to play for the Gamecocks, she was a prized recruit in the Class of 2023. Known for her dazzling handles, fearless drives, and flashy finishes, Fulwiley brought an energy and flair to the game that made her a viral sensation long before she ever played a minute of college basketball. Her freshman season in Columbia was filled with flashes of brilliance, but it also had moments of growing pains, especially on a stacked Gamecock roster where playing time was competitive and roles were constantly shifting.
Despite the limited minutes, Fulwiley showcased her undeniable talent. She averaged 11.5 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game in just under 22 minutes per contest, while shooting an efficient 46% from the field. Those numbers, combined with her highlight-reel playmaking and court vision, were more than enough to turn heads across the country. Even more impressive was her ability to elevate her game in big moments, something LSU head coach Kim Mulkey has long coveted in her guards.
The buzz around Fulwiley potentially joining LSU is growing louder for several reasons. First and foremost, the Tigers have proven they can attract high-level transfers. Angel Reese’s arrival from Maryland reshaped LSU’s national profile and helped lead the Tigers to a national championship. Last offseason, Hailey Van Lith transferred in from Louisville, adding yet another star to a talent-rich roster. Mulkey’s ability to not only recruit but develop and manage elite personalities and talents has made LSU one of the most attractive destinations for players looking to elevate their brand and legacy.
Fulwiley would bring a unique spark to LSU’s backcourt. With Van Lith entering the WNBA Draft and other guards possibly moving on or reducing roles, there’s a clear opening for a high-usage, creative scoring guard—someone who can take over games and create instant offense. Fulwiley fits that mold perfectly. She doesn’t just score—she entertains, and she can do it from all three levels. Her crossover dribbles, no-look passes, and circus-shot layups feel more like art than basketball fundamentals. But don’t let the flair fool you—her game is rooted in a deep competitive fire and a high basketball IQ.
Joining LSU would also give Fulwiley a fresh start. At South Carolina, she was part of a rotation that prioritized defense, physicality, and discipline. Dawn Staley runs a tight ship, and while Fulwiley undoubtedly learned a lot under her tutelage, it’s possible that she craves a bit more creative freedom on the court. Mulkey’s system, by contrast, allows for more offensive expression, especially from guards who can create their own shot. Under Mulkey, Fulwiley would likely be given the keys to the offense, something that could unlock a new level in her game.
From a storyline perspective, the move would also inject even more energy into the growing rivalry between South Carolina and LSU—two SEC juggernauts that have already clashed in epic fashion over the past few seasons. For Fulwiley to switch sides would be seen by many as a shocking but powerful statement, and it would undoubtedly make the next LSU-South Carolina matchup one of the most anticipated games of the year. It wouldn’t just be a basketball game; it would be a saga of loyalty, ambition, and a young star carving her own path.
There’s also the NIL factor. LSU has become one of the most lucrative destinations for women’s college athletes, with stars like Reese and Flau’jae Johnson becoming household names far beyond the basketball court. Baton Rouge offers not only a high-level basketball environment but a media machine that helps its players become influencers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities. For someone like Fulwiley, who already has a strong social media presence and an eye for building her personal brand, LSU could be a perfect fit.
Of course, the decision won’t be without complications. Transferring within the same conference is always a delicate process, and Fulwiley will likely weigh many factors before making a final call. Staying closer to home, the relationships she built at South Carolina, and her admiration for Coach Staley will all factor into her decision. But the pull of LSU, both on and off the court, may prove to be too strong to resist.
It’s worth noting that LSU is already home to one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the country. Adding Fulwiley to the mix could create new challenges in terms of chemistry and roles, especially with returning stars like Johnson and Mikaylah Williams. But if any coach can manage those dynamics, it’s Mulkey. Her track record of winning with big personalities—both at Baylor and LSU—speaks for itself. She thrives in the spotlight and isn’t afraid to make bold moves if she believes they’ll lead to championships.
What’s more, Fulwiley’s style of play would immediately elevate LSU’s offensive ceiling. While the Tigers have had strong guard play in recent years, they haven’t had someone with Fulwiley’s blend of athleticism, creativity, and scoring prowess. Her presence would force opposing defenses to stretch further, open up driving lanes for others, and provide a shot clock safety valve in crunch time situations.
There’s also the intangible element—swagger. LSU’s rise to national prominence has been as much about attitude and culture as it has been about skill and results. Fulwiley has that same edge. She plays with confidence, flair, and a sense of fearlessness that aligns perfectly with what LSU has become under Mulkey: a program that embraces the spotlight and refuses to back down.
From a developmental standpoint, Fulwiley also stands to benefit immensely from the move. Playing under a coach like Mulkey, who empowers her guards and isn’t afraid to let them run the offense, could be exactly what Fulwiley needs to take the next step in her evolution. Her freshman season showed glimpses of superstardom, but she’s still scratching the surface of what she can become. At LSU, she’d have the opportunity to lead a team, be a top offensive option, and grow into the type of player who dominates every aspect of the game.
Ultimately, Fulwiley’s transfer decision will be about more than just minutes or system fit. It will be about trajectory. Where can she go to become the best version of herself, both as a player and a brand? Where can she win, grow, and leave a legacy that matches her immense talent? LSU checks a lot of those boxes. And if she does make the move to Baton Rouge, the college basketball world better be ready.
Fulwiley’s potential arrival at LSU wouldn’t just be a huge pickup for the Tigers—it would be a seismic shift in the landscape of the SEC and women’s college basketball as a whole. It would elevate LSU from contender to potential superteam status. It would deepen the drama of every SEC matchup. And most importantly, it would give fans the chance to watch one of the game’s brightest young stars in a system built to let her shine.
If the whispers are true, and if MiLaysia Fulwiley is Baton Rouge-bound, the Tigers could be on the verge of something truly special. A new era may be coming to LSU basketball, one defined by highlight reels, sold-out crowds, and unforgettable moments. And at the center of it all, there could be a young woman with a crossover as quick as her rise to stardom—ready to prove that the best is yet to come.