MiLaysia Fulwiley: Rising Star in Women's College Basketball

MiLaysia Fulwiley has rapidly become a prominent figure in women's college basketball. Known for her dynamic play and scoring ability, Fulwiley has garnered attention and accolades throughout her career, from her early days in high school to her impactful performances in the NCAA Tournament with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Early Career and High School Success

Before making waves in college basketball, MiLaysia Fulwiley established herself as a standout player at W. J. Keenan High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Even before entering high school, her talent was evident when she was called up to the varsity team in seventh grade for the playoffs, contributing to Keenan's Class 2A state championship win. Throughout her high school career, Fulwiley continued to lead her team to success, securing four state titles in six seasons. She concluded her high school career as the all-time leading scorer for W. J. Keenan.

College Career at South Carolina

Freshman Season

Fulwiley's transition to college basketball was highly anticipated, and she quickly lived up to the hype. In her debut for South Carolina on November 6, 2023, she recorded 17 points, six assists, and six steals in a 100-71 victory over AP No. 10 Notre Dame. Her outstanding performance earned her a spot on the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman Team.

During her freshman year, Fulwiley played a crucial role in the Gamecocks' success, helping them win the SEC tournament. She was named MVP of the tournament after scoring a season-high 24 points in a 79-72 win over AP No. 8 LSU in the final. Fulwiley's contributions extended to the NCAA Tournament, where she was part of an undefeated South Carolina team that won the 2024 national championship. She finished the season as the second-leading scorer on the team, averaging 11.7 points per game.

In the NCAA Tournament, she demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure:

Tied the program’s NCAA Tournament record of five 3s against Presbyterian.
Scored a career-high 24 points in the SEC Tournament title game against #8/5 LSU.

Sophomore Season

In her second season with the Gamecocks, Fulwiley continued to be a key player, coming off the bench in all 39 of her appearances. She maintained her scoring average of 11.7 points per game and also averaged 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest. Her consistent performance led to her being named SEC Sixth Woman of the Year.

Fulwiley's sophomore year was marked by several notable achievements:

Named SEC Sixth Woman of the Year.
Earned All-America honors from the Associated Press and Second Team recognition from the SEC.
Was named a finalist for the Dawn Staley Award, which is given to the nation’s most outstanding collegiate guard.
Helped South Carolina to a second-straight appearance in the National Championship and an SEC Tournament Championship.

She showcased her scoring ability by recording 15 or more points in 14 games and leading the team in scoring eight times. Additionally, she displayed her defensive prowess with three or more steals in eight games and distributed four or more assists in nine games, including seven against Oklahoma. She matched her career-high in points scored with 24 against Vanderbilt.

Key Statistics and Performances

Throughout her college career, MiLaysia Fulwiley has achieved several statistical milestones and delivered memorable performances. Some of her notable statistics include:

Points: Matched her career-high in points scored with 24 against Vanderbilt on Feb.
Rebounds: 9, 3x; most recent vs.
Assists: 7, vs.
Steals: 6, 2x; most recent vs.
Blocks: 4, vs.
FG Attempts: 18, vs.
3FG Made: 5, vs.
3FG Attempts: 10, vs.

Her performances in crucial games have also been noteworthy. For example, she scored seven of her 19 points in the SEC Tournament semifinal against #10/10 Oklahoma and posted 15 points in the SEC Tournament quarterfinal against Vanderbilt. She also tied her career-high of 24 points at Vanderbilt.

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NCAA Tournament Performances

Fulwiley's impact on the NCAA Tournament is particularly significant. Here are some highlights from her tournament appearances:

Most 3-point field goals made in an NCAA Tournament game (5 vs.
Best 3-point field goal percentage in an SEC Tournament game (.800 (4-5) vs.
Scored a new NCAA Tournament career-high 23 against #18/17 Maryland.
Was a defensive menace in the NCAA semifinal against #11/11 NC State.
Hit four of South Carolina’s nine 3s against North Carolina.
Tied the program’s NCAA Tournament record of five 3s against Presbyterian.

NIL Deals and Recognition

MiLaysia Fulwiley's success on the court has translated into recognition and opportunities off the court. She has secured NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals with prominent brands, including Curry Brand and Unrivaled.

In March 2024, Fulwiley signed an NIL deal with Curry Brand, joining a select group of athletes associated with Stephen Curry's brand. In July 2025, she was signed by Unrivaled, a 3x3 basketball league, as part of "The Future is Unrivaled Class of 2025," further highlighting her potential and marketability.

Awards and Honors

MiLaysia Fulwiley has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, recognizing her achievements and contributions to the sport. These include:

2025 USBWA Player of the Week
2x SEC Freshman of the Week (Feb. 6; Jan.
SEC All-Freshman Team
SEC Tournament MVP
SEC Sixth Woman of the Year
All-America honors from the Associated Press
Second Team recognition from the SEC
Finalist for the Dawn Staley Award

Playing Style and Impact

MiLaysia Fulwiley is known for her dynamic and versatile playing style. She possesses exceptional ball-handling skills, court vision, and scoring ability, making her a threat both as a driver and a shooter. Her defensive prowess, characterized by her quick hands and ability to anticipate plays, allows her to generate steals and disrupt opponents' offenses.

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Fulwiley's impact extends beyond her statistics. She brings energy, passion, and leadership to her team, inspiring her teammates and captivating fans with her exciting style of play. Her ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments has made her a valuable asset to the South Carolina Gamecocks.

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