During the offseason, MiLaysia Fulwiley was the biggest name to hit the transfer portal. After two seasons playing for Dawn Staley at South Carolina, Fulwiley chose to head to Baton Rouge to play for Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers. Her decision to leave South Carolina alone made headlines, and the situation brought further fascination when she decided to stay in the SEC and head to LSU.
With the start of the college basketball season right around the corner, Fulwiley has been speaking with the media this week. It's not surprising to see that one of the main topics she's been asked about is her decision to leave South Carolina and head to a rival program in LSU.
MiLaysia Fulwiley opens up about leaving South Carolina for LSU
What made the move from South Carolina even more shocking is that Fulwiley is from Columbia. She was playing for her hometown team and the Gamecocks went to a pair of National Championship games in her two seasons there, winning it all in 2023-24.
When speaking with the media this week, Fulwiley stated that she wanted to stay in the SEC and wanted to complete for a national title. She also wanted to play for a great coach who knows that they're doing. LSU checks both of those boxes.
#LSU PG MiLaysia Fulwiley discussing how the transition has gone so far in Baton Rouge and what factors went into her decision to play for Kim Mulkey, LSU.
— Cory Diaz (@ByCoryDiaz) October 15, 2025
Video credit: @ainslielee_ pic.twitter.com/PPoqdvaOku
When talking about her conversations with the LSU coaching staff, Fulwiley said that all of the coaching staff has already helped her so much. "When I was talking to them I realized I need a group of people that believe in me and just want to see me do better," Fulwiley said.
MiLaysia Fulwiley: “A lot of people ask me why LSU. I say why not? I still wanted to compete for a national championship. I still wanted to be in the mix. I felt like I could be myself here.” pic.twitter.com/aecMcxdN3Z
— Harrison Valentine (@HValentineLSU) October 16, 2025
Mulkey is already enjoying have Fulwiley in the mix.
"We're asking her to learn the point. If we get her to an even-keel level where she's comfortable, those are three skill players on the perimeter. She's a joy to coach. I've never coached a kid that smiles so much. She's just happy."Kim Mulkey
Fulwiley was a steady contributor for the Gamecocks in her two seasons in Columbia. She started only three games, but averaged 11.7 points per game and shot 43.2% from the field while playing over 18 minutes per game. Entering her junior season, she could be in line for an increased role with the Tigers. In addition, playing alongside other star players Flau'Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams has the potential to yield incredible results.
The LSU women's basketball team has a pair of exhibition games on Oct. 23 against Mississippi College and Oct. 31 against Langston. The regular season begins on Tuesday, Nov. 4 with a home tilt against Houston Christian.