South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley defects to rival LSU in college hoops shocker

Former South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley has committed to LSU out of the transfer portal, she announced Friday on Instagram.

“Geaux Tigers 💜💛,” she wrote.

Fulwiley, known for her highlight-reel plays, had been the biggest name in the women’s transfer portal.

Now she makes the stunning switch to play for her former team’s bitter SEC rivals and swaps one prominent coach in Dawn Staley for another in Kim Mulkey.

Fulwiley announced she was entering the portal after the Gamecocks were defeated by the UConn Huskies, 82-59, in the national championship on April 6.

MiLaysia Fulwiley #12 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles the ball while being guarded by KK Arnold #2 of the UConn Huskies in the fourth quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 6, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Getty Images

South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley talks with guard MiLaysia Fulwiley (12) during the first half in a semifinal of the women’s 2025 NCAA tournament against the Texas Longhorns at Amalie Arena on April 4, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“Just getting better, just trying to understand a lot of things and just trying to think things through and see what’s best for me,” Fulwiley said in the aftermath of South Carolina’s loss in the title game.

Fulwiley was a crucial part of South Carolina’s undefeated record and national championship win in 2023-2024. She was named the SEC sixth player of the year for the 2024-25.

The 5-foot-10 rising junior joins a star-studded LSU backcourt that features Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams.