The college basketball transfer portal has become a game-changer for elite programs, offering a fast track to top-tier talent ready to deliver instant results.
One of the most high-profile moves this offseason came from MiLaysia Fulwiley, the electrifying former South Carolina standout. After two impactful seasons under legendary coach Dawn Staley, Fulwiley made waves by transferring to one of the Gamecocks’ fiercest SEC rivals—the LSU Tigers.
The move quickly caught attention, including that of former LSU star and current Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith, who offered glowing praise for Fulwiley’s transition.
“I mean yeah, I think MiLaysia’s a very confident player,” Van Lith said, via Julia Poe. “I think she’ll be fine. Be who you are and have fun. I think the fans here are great. The environment is great, so just embrace every game and really just enjoy the atmosphere that LSU provides.”
Fulwiley leaves behind a consistent track record at South Carolina, where she averaged 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game in her sophomore season—mirroring her freshman stats almost identically.
As for Hailey Van Lith, she knows the LSU environment well. After transferring from Louisville, she spent the 2023–24 season with the Tigers, where she averaged 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Van Lith then moved on to TCU for the 2024–25 season, continuing her dynamic college career.
With Fulwiley now suiting up for Kim Mulkey and LSU, the Tigers add another weapon to their arsenal—and the SEC rivalry with South Carolina just got even more intense.
