After days of speculation (fueled by rumors that were sharply denied), MiLaysia Fulwiley confirmed her transfer from South Carolina to LSU on Friday, April 25.
The move was a major one in and of itself, as Fulwiley was one of South Carolina's most celebrated athletes and appeared close to Coach Dawn Staley, but the fact that she opted to go to one of the Gamecocks' biggest rivals is a true eyebrow-raiser.
BREAKING: South Carolina's MiLaysia Fulwiley is transferring to LSU.
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) April 25, 2025
Fulwiley was one of the best transfers in the portal w/ 77 games played, a National Championship + multiple All-SEC honors.
More on a massive get for Kim Mulkey and her staff:➡️ https://t.co/A4TA3OjIQK pic.twitter.com/gTfP3xn5sJ
On3 Sports' Shea Dixon announced the news on X. "BREAKING: South Carolina's MiLaysia Fulwiley is transferring to LSU," he wrote. "Fulwiley was one of the best transfers in the portal w/ 77 games played, a National Championship + multiple All-SEC honors." Fulwiley confirmed the news on Instagram.
Mulkey celebrated the news via press release and said of Fulwiley, "She's bringing her incredible playmaking ability to Baton Rouge, standing out of one of the most electricying 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!"
How MiLaysia Fulwiley will fit in at LSU
Until then, there's plenty to think about.
Mulkey is known for her energetic coaching style, to say the least — and out of all the possibilities that existed for Fulwiley, particularly in the SEC, she just might be the best coach in terms of matching the intensity Fulwiley so often brings to the court. The decision also gives Fulwiley a shot at winning a championship, something that might not have been on the table at most other schools she could have transferred to (at least not at schools relatively near her hometown of Columbia).
The Gamecocks are also set to play the Tigers at the latter's home in Baton Rouge at least once during the 2025-26 season, and this decision all but guarantees a packed house and charged atmosphere. Mulkey is an expert in developing an elite backcourt, and fans will enjoy watching Flau'jae Johnson and Fulwiley find their rhythm as teammates.
It can also safely be assumed Fulwiley wouldn't have signed with any program that did not promise her a starting position, especially since that was a rumored source of contention throughout her time at South Carolina. A starting 5 that includes Johnson and Fulwiley as well as Kate Koval and potentially Serah Williams (who entered the transfer portal but has not yet made a decision; Williams is rumored to be deciding between UConn and LSU) is a tough lineup.
Overall, if there's one thing we can all count on, it's that the SEC is going to be basketball theater in the coming season, and Fulwiley will be a major part of the reason why.