MiLaysia Fulwiley knows championship basketball when she sees it. Fresh off her transfer from South Carolina, the LSU junior guard recently shared her thoughts on standout WNBA performances and made a bold prediction that’s turning heads across women’s basketball.
Why Is Paige Bueckers Still Shining Despite Dallas Wings’ Struggles?
Women’s basketball has evolved into a year-round conversation, with the WNBA and Unrivaled keeping fans engaged alongside NCAA action. This constant spotlight means players like Fulwiley find themselves analyzing the game from multiple angles, and her recent appearance on the “Around the W” podcast delivered some compelling insights.
Two years ago, Fulwiley burst onto the national scene as a spark off the bench, helping South Carolina capture their third national championship. Despite starting just three of her 77 games during her first two seasons, she provided explosive bench scoring with 11.7 points per game in both campaigns. Now at LSU, she’s hoping to bring another championship to Baton Rouge while keeping a close eye on the WNBA postseason.
When discussing her favorite WNBA players, Fulwiley had high praise for former UConn star Paige Bueckers:
“This season, Paige is probably really killing it. Like, she’s fantastic. And I like to watch, like my older teammates. So like Te-Hina Paopao, yes. Yeah. Say yeah, she’s been balling. I’m proud of her.”
Bueckers has indeed been a bright spot for the struggling Dallas Wings. Despite her team’s disappointing 9-32 record that leaves them in last place, the dynamic guard ranks fifth in points (18.9), eighth in assists (5.3), tied for fourth in steals (1.58), and eighth in efficiency (18.9). Her individual excellence showcases why Fulwiley remains impressed with her play.
Fulwiley also shouted out former teammate Te-Hina Paopao, who’s carved out a solid role with the Atlanta Dream. The second-round pick averages 5.8 points and shoots an impressive 40.8% from three-point range, proving her value as a reliable contributor.
What Makes Minnesota the Championship Favorite in Fulwiley’s Eyes?
When the conversation turned to championship predictions, Fulwiley didn’t hesitate to name her pick. Though Paopao plays for Atlanta, Fulwiley believes the Minnesota Lynx will claim the title.
“I mean, they just got a good team. Like they play like they play like they understand an assignment.”
The numbers back up Fulwiley’s confidence in Minnesota. At 32-8, the Lynx own the league’s best record, holding a commanding 5.5-game edge over the Dream. Their dominance extends across multiple statistical categories, leading the WNBA in points per game (77), field goal percentage (43.2%), three-point percentage (30.2%), and assists (2.1).
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This combination of elite shooting and ball movement makes Minnesota a nightmare matchup for any opponent. They can execute at any pace and consistently find the best available shot, exactly the kind of systematic approach that Fulwiley recognizes as championship-caliber basketball.
Meanwhile, Fulwiley still has two more seasons of college eligibility remaining. Her current LSU Tigers will face her former South Carolina team at some point this season, setting up an intriguing storyline. The question becomes whether she can serve as the catalyst to lead LSU back to championship glory, bringing the same championship instincts she’s now applying to her WNBA analysis.