In a move that has shocked the college basketball community, former South Carolina Gamecocks standout Joyce Edwards has made headlines for a highly publicized exchange with her former teammate MiLaysia Fulwiley. Edwards, known for her outspoken personality and fiery competitiveness, fired shots at Fulwiley after the latter made the stunning decision to decommit from South Carolina and commit to LSU.
The tension between Edwards and Fulwiley has been brewing for months, but it came to a head when Edwards took to social media to express her displeasure with Fulwiley’s decision. “You Chose LSU Over Us?” Edwards wrote in a cryptic post that quickly went viral. “This was never about basketball, was it?”
Edwards, who spent her time at South Carolina as a player who was known for her grit, intensity, and leadership on the court, has been a key figure in the Gamecocks’ rise to prominence under head coach Dawn Staley. During her time at South Carolina, Edwards was a staple in the locker room, fostering team unity and working relentlessly to push her teammates to be the best versions of themselves. She had hoped that Fulwiley, who was once her teammate and friend, would remain a part of that vision. But when Fulwiley made the shock decision to commit to LSU, Edwards felt betrayed.
Edwards was not shy about her feelings, emphasizing that it was never about basketball. “When I joined South Carolina, it was about something bigger than just the game,” Edwards said in an exclusive interview. “It was about family, unity, and the culture that we were building. We had a bond that was supposed to be unbreakable. But when MiLaysia left for LSU, it wasn’t just a transfer. It was a personal choice, and that’s something I’ll never fully understand.”
The emotional weight of Edwards’ comments reflects the deeper, more personal connections that are formed within college programs. South Carolina had built something special under Staley, a culture of excellence, inclusion, and trust. The team’s success, particularly in recent seasons, has been a testament to the collective effort of players like Edwards and Fulwiley. But Edwards felt that Fulwiley’s decision to leave represented a deeper rift—one that was not about basketball, but about values and loyalty.
Edwards made it clear that she wasn’t just upset about Fulwiley’s commitment to LSU but about the way the situation had unfolded. “It’s not just about the basketball. It’s about how you carry yourself, the way you respect your teammates, and the choices you make,” she continued. “When you walk away from that, it speaks volumes about what really mattered. And to me, it never felt like it was about family anymore.”
Fulwiley’s move to LSU is part of a broader shift in the college basketball landscape. The landscape of women’s basketball recruiting has become increasingly competitive, with top players looking for the right fit both on and off the court. While LSU, under the leadership of head coach Kim Mulkey, has become a powerhouse in women’s basketball, Fulwiley’s decision to leave South Carolina was seen as a signal of change—a shift that Edwards clearly didn’t take well.
Despite the tension, Edwards clarified that her issues with Fulwiley were not solely rooted in basketball. “What bothers me the most is the feeling of betrayal,” Edwards said. “We went through so much together, and I thought we were on the same path. But when you choose another program, another family, it makes me question everything. It was never just about the basketball. It’s about what you stand for, and I thought we were on the same page.”
Edwards also pointed out the importance of loyalty within a team. “It’s hard to understand when someone you thought was your sister makes a decision that seems to break that bond. South Carolina isn’t just a team—it’s a family. And when someone leaves, it feels personal.” She went on to add that she understood the competitive nature of recruiting, but she wished Fulwiley had been more transparent about her true intentions. “If it had really been about basketball, I would have respected the decision more. But this felt like something else. It felt like a betrayal.”
Fulwiley’s commitment to LSU was not just a decision to leave South Carolina—it was a signal of her desire to carve her own path in the world of women’s basketball. As she announced her decision, she stated that LSU provided the environment she needed to grow as both a player and a person. She expressed her excitement about joining a program with a rich history of success and a championship pedigree under Kim Mulkey. But Edwards wasn’t convinced.
While Edwards’ comments may have added fuel to the fire, they also opened up a conversation about the emotional and personal connections that often go unnoticed in the world of college sports. For players like Edwards, who poured their heart and soul into building a program, decisions like Fulwiley’s are more than just a change of scenery. They represent a shift in values, trust, and loyalty.
Despite the tension, Edwards made it clear that her goal was not to vilify Fulwiley, but to express her hurt and frustration. “I’m not mad at her. I’m hurt. It’s hard when you invest so much into a relationship and then realize that it wasn’t as strong as you thought,” Edwards said. “I want MiLaysia to do well, but I just wish she had stayed true to what we built together.”
As for Fulwiley, her commitment to LSU has already made waves in the college basketball world. LSU’s recruitment of one of South Carolina’s top players has been seen as a bold move, and many believe that Fulwiley will thrive in the Tigers’ system. LSU, with its elite recruiting classes and championship aspirations, continues to grow under Kim Mulkey’s leadership. But Fulwiley’s departure from South Carolina has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on those who remain in the Gamecocks’ program, including Joyce Edwards.
The drama between Edwards and Fulwiley is a reminder of the deep emotional and personal connections that shape the college sports experience. While the focus is often on the game itself, decisions like these reveal the complexities of college athletics—the friendships, betrayals, and loyalty that exist beyond the court. In the end, it’s not just about basketball. It’s about the bonds that are formed, tested, and sometimes broken along the way.
As for Edwards, her words have resonated with many fans and players alike, showing that loyalty and respect are values that should never be taken for granted. Her frustration with Fulwiley’s decision is rooted not just in basketball, but in the larger question of what it means to be part of something bigger than oneself. Whether or not Fulwiley’s move to LSU will pay off in the long run remains to be seen, but for Edwards, this was a moment that went beyond the game. It was about values, loyalty, and the emotional weight of decisions that shape the future.
