MiLaysia Fulwiley transfers to South Carolina women’s basketball rival LSU.
South Carolina women’s basketball’s trip to Baton Rouge in 2026 just got a lot more interesting.
MiLaysia Fulwiley, the star guard who played two seasons for the Gamecocks and coach Dawn Staley, announced on April 25 that she has committed to LSU after entering the transfer portal on April 17. Shortly after her post, LSU announced she officially joined the program.
The Gamecocks play at LSU during the 2025-26 season.
These two SEC powerhouse programs have built up somewhat of a rivalry in recent years. In 2023-24, the Tigers were close to handing the Gamecocks their first loss of the season in Baton Rouge, but South Carolina stormed back in the fourth quarter for the victory.
They later met in the SEC tournament championship in Greenville, and a fight broke out and caused a nearly-20 minute delay in the final minutes of the game. The altercation originally started because Fulwiley stole the ball from LSU star Flau’jae Johnson. After Johnson fouled Fulwiley to stop the play, Ashlyn Watkins celebrated near Johnson, which caused the initial shoving. That led to South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso shoving Johnson to the ground.
In the championship game, Fulwiley scored 24 points and won SEC tournament MVP as a freshman.
This past season, LSU played at Columbia and the Gamecocks won 66-56. Fulwiley had 15 points.
Coach Kim Mulkey, who has won four national championships, including one with LSU, has lost five players to the transfer portal, and star Aneesah Morrow is headed to the WNBA but will return Johnson and Mikaylah Williams.
“I’m excited to welcome MiLaysia as the newest member of our LSU Tiger family!” Mulkey said in a school release on April 25. “She’s bringing her incredible playmaking ability to Baton Rouge, standing out as one of the most electrifying talents in college basketball. Her ability to impact winning has been clear throughout her career, and we can’t wait to see her shine in purple and gold at the PMAC soon!”
