While headlines swirl around MiLaysia Fulwiley and her reported plans to enter the transfer portal, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has her attention locked elsewhere—on honoring one of her departing stars, Bree Hall.
According to The Greenville News, sources revealed that Fulwiley is expected to hit the portal soon. The report was backed by journalist Lulu Kesin, who tweeted that she had “confirmed” Fulwiley’s exit from the program.
But Staley has remained silent on Fulwiley’s potential departure, choosing instead to spotlight Bree Hall, who’s expected to be selected in the upcoming WNBA Draft on Monday.
On April 11, Staley shared an emotional tribute to Hall on social media, writing:
“@breezyhall you have been a winner on and off the court. You came. You gave. You conquered. We were better because of you….now the @WNBA and world gets what you gave us! Love you Breezy!”
She didn’t stop there—Staley also extended heartfelt praise to Hall’s parents, posting:
“Mr. Hall, you and @Shaun22710212La have been parents who get it! Thank you for having the strong balance of supporting Breezy and seeing the dynamics of our team. Everyone won! One love!”
Staley’s admiration for Hall goes beyond social media. Ahead of the Final Four matchup against Texas, she declared Hall as one of the best players she’s ever coached.
“She’s definitely underrated as a defender,” Staley said when asked if Hall was underappreciated. “I think our game sometimes looks at stats. She’s not one that’s going to steal the ball. She’s one that’s going to get your top scorer shooting at an inefficient clip. And that’s her claim to fame.”
Staley emphasized Hall’s value to the Gamecocks’ success:
“Her part is a big part that we rely on to get wins… That’s not scoring a whole lot of points; it’s actually preventing our opponents from scoring. And she does it… She’s in my top five in my 25 years of coaching.”
So while speculation grows around Fulwiley’s future, Dawn Staley is focused on celebrating a player who already left her mark—and is now ready to shine on a bigger stage.
