MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Bold Move to LSU Comes with Major On-Court & Off-Court Impact
MiLaysia Fulwiley, one of the brightest stars in South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball, has officially announced her transfer to the LSU Tigers, marking a stunning shift within the SEC. The move comes just weeks after South Carolina’s loss to UConn in the NCAA championship game.
A dynamic sophomore guard, Fulwiley played a vital role in Dawn Staley’s squad, averaging 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, while making just three starts. Known for her electrifying play off the bench, she quickly became a fan favorite and a core contributor.
Her transfer is not only a blow to South Carolina’s lineup but also a significant shakeup in the NIL world. Fulwiley was the first college athlete signed by the Curry Brand, a sub-label of Under Armour founded by NBA superstar Stephen Curry. She even launched her signature “Butta” shoes under the brand earlier this year.
However, LSU’s exclusive deal with Nike means Fulwiley won’t be able to wear her signature Curry sneakers in games or warmups, as noted by journalist Mitchell Northam. This echoes past situations—such as Cooper Flagg at Duke, who couldn’t wear his New Balance shoes due to the school’s Nike deal.
Curry himself praised Fulwiley when announcing the partnership, saying:
“(Fulwiley) has a unique style and flow to her game that I don’t think many people have seen in a long time… I’m humbled that she is now a part of the family.”
Despite her departure, South Carolina still holds the No. 1 spot in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Rankings, while LSU is right behind at No. 5—setting up a potentially explosive showdown next season.
As the Gamecocks retool and Fulwiley prepares to shine in Kim Mulkey’s system at LSU, all eyes will be on the next chapter of her already headline-grabbing career.
