LSU guard MiLaysia Fulwiley recently opened up about her involvement in the new NIL platform, “Unrivaled,” which brings together 14 of the nation’s leading women’s college basketball players. The group includes UConn standout Azzi Fudd, among other stars shaping the future of the sport.
MiLaysia Fulwiley Reflects on Unrivaled NIL Experience With Azzi Fudd and Top Players
Fulwiley continues to shine as one of college basketball’s rising stars, recently sharing her thoughts on her experience with Unrivaled, the groundbreaking NIL platform that features 14 of the sport’s most decorated athletes, including Fudd.
Collectively, the group represents 32 NCAA Tournament appearances, 25 Sweet 16 berths, 14 Elite Eight showings, 10 Final Four runs, and four national championships, making it one of the most accomplished groups assembled in the college game.
Fulwiley was among the first players to sign with Unrivaled and reflected on being part of the initiative during Sports Illustrated’s “Around the W,” which aired Sept. 1. Speaking at the “Future is Unrivaled Summit” in Miami, she described the atmosphere with enthusiasm.
“It’s amazing. I mean, I see it on my phone. I see it on my feed. So, like just to be a part of it and like just be around the vibes and just be and see how everything is done. It’s just amazing. I feel blessed,” she said.
The 2024 SEC Freshman of the Year, known nationally for her electrifying handles and viral highlights, emphasized how the summit strengthened relationships among athletes.
“Everyone’s here is pretty cool. I’m very familiar with them, but like I feel like being here, it makes you like kind of connect more and like learn each other off the court and like understand how we really are in like real life,” she explained.
Fulwiley mentioned spending much of her time with fellow player Ta’Niya [Latson], recalling their bond from past AAU competition.
“I think I’ve been with Ta’Niya probably the most. We used to play together in AU. So, like kind of clicks on.”
When asked about her on-court style, Fulwiley traced it back to her childhood.
“It’s probably come from like just playing at the park a lot. I played at the basketball park a lot by myself and just kind of just trying to practice out or like trying to do the moves that I seen on YouTube as a kid,” she said. “I think it was more of like a imaginary thought that I kind of put into play when no one was watching and then started to do it when everyone was watching.”
Fashion also became a part of the discussion, with Fulwiley breaking down her recent looks.
“I wanted to like do something that was kind of like croppy and I felt like the vest or tuck suit, whatever it’s called, I think that kind of gave the look I was looking for,” she said, crediting her stylist for helping execute the vision.
She also highlighted her preference for new trends, adding “I like the jort. That’s kind of like a new trend. I usually wear like tight jeans, but like I’ve started to like go to like the jort shorts.”
Through basketball, fashion, and connection, Fulwiley’s reflections at the summit underscored the unique community Unrivaled is building for women’s college basketball.