Kim Mulkey and Dawn Staley stand as two of the biggest names in women’s college basketball, each with an unmistakable grip on their programs. South Carolina and LSU remain perennial contenders, and whenever the two coaches face off, it’s a must-watch showdown.
Mulkey, known for her bluntness and fiery passion, rarely holds back. Staley, equally intense and devoted to both basketball and South Carolina, matches that energy every time their paths cross.
In a recent interview, Mulkey couldn’t resist a playful jab at South Carolina while discussing her newest star—former Gamecock MiLaysia Fulwiley, who transferred to LSU. Mulkey praised Fulwiley’s talent and explained why she was thrilled to add her to the Tigers’ roster.
“She’s beaten me too many times for me not to have taken her into this team, this program,” Mulkey said with a laugh. “I mean, she’s just a big shot, big steal, spectacular move. I’m gonna challenge her to learn the point guard position. But I’m not gonna take away her ability to play the off guard either. So a lot of that will depend on how quickly she catches on to what we need her to do as a point guard. And a lot of that will depend on Jada’s development.”
Mulkey added that Fulwiley’s role will also hinge on the progress of teammates like Divine. Still, she believes Fulwiley has already begun to settle in.
“She’s fitting in. Well, I mean, ballers wanna play with ballers, and she’s gonna be fun to watch. I think the fans, they already know how good she is and all the spectacular things she does on the floor, and now the LSU fans get to cheer for her instead of booing her,” Mulkey continued.
Fulwiley’s departure from South Carolina came after she struggled to fit into Dawn Staley’s system, but Mulkey has embraced her as a core piece of LSU’s future.
Fans React to Mulkey’s Comments
Reactions online were swift and divided. Some agreed with Mulkey’s take, while others defended Staley’s handling of Fulwiley.
- “She’s good, no doubt. But lacked discipline, so she took the route ‘out.’ At times, got lost on defense. Wish her the best, though,” one fan wrote.
- “I’m a fan of Malaysia…and I know she’s gonna be great.. however, Dawn creates legends…. Not just ballers,” another commented.
- “They not beating SC so it’s all good,” a Gamecock supporter added.
- Others drew comparisons to past moves: “Also tried to make HVL a point guard. I hope it works out better for Lay!”
- Some fans remained confident in Staley’s program: “Can’t wait for South Carolina to get this W.”
- Meanwhile, others defended Mulkey: “Y’all disrespect Kim like she doesn’t have ships?? Also no one is saying SC doesn’t have ballers, Kim routinely gives them credit. But LSU has ballers too, and there’s a reason why she didn’t stay there. Dawn looked like she didn’t know what to do with her half the time. And that’s not a knock—just because you are a great coach doesn’t mean you’ll be a great coach for everyone.”
With Fulwiley now in purple and gold, fans are already circling the LSU–South Carolina matchup on the calendar, knowing sparks will fly when Mulkey and Staley clash again.
