South Carolina is bidding farewell to one of its brightest young talents, as sophomore guard Milaysia Fulwiley plans to enter the transfer portal, her mother confirmed to *The State* on Friday afternoon. The news, first reported by the *Greenville News*, comes just days after the Gamecocks’ national championship loss to UConn, where Fulwiley logged 9 points in 18 minutes during Sunday’s title game.
Fulwiley, a Columbia native, leaves the program with two years of eligibility remaining. Head coach Dawn Staley, who once hailed her as a “generational talent,” saw the guard play a key role in securing the Gamecocks’ national title during her freshman season. Over two years, Fulwiley appeared in 76 games, though she started only three, often shining as a dynamic reserve. Last season, she earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors six times and finished this year as the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 11.8 points per game.
Despite her flashy highlights and improved defense this season, Fulwiley struggled with shooting consistency and turnovers late in the year. Averaging 18.9 minutes per game (ninth on the team), speculation grew that she might seek a larger role elsewhere. Fan frustration peaked in November when she played just three minutes in a loss to UCLA, sparking social media campaigns urging her to transfer.
Off the court, Fulwiley has emerged as a marketing powerhouse. In March 2024, she became the first college athlete to sign a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with Stephen Curry’s Curry Brand, debuting her signature "Boat" shoe (MF12) after South Carolina’s NCAA tournament opener. She also has a partnership with Red Bull. Last month, Curry himself wore her "Playa Society" shirt—featuring a cartoon version of Fulwiley in her Gamecock uniform—to Chase Center.
Staley addressed transfer rumors earlier this season, stating, “Everyone wants to say ‘transfer,’ but we trust each other here. Melissa [Fulwiley] and I are good. People ask about drama, but our house is tight.” However, the arrival of national team scorer Te-Hina Paopao and Raven Johnson’s return this week has intensified questions about playing time distribution.
Fulwiley’s departure marks a significant loss for the Gamecocks, but her pursuit of a expanded role—and star potential—now takes center stage