The basketball community was stunned when MiLaysia Fulwiley made the surprising decision to transfer from her hometown South Carolina Gamecocks to SEC rival LSU Tigers. The talented guard has now opened up about the deeply personal reasons that drove her to leave everything familiar behind and start fresh in Baton Rouge.
Why Did MiLaysia Fulwiley Choose LSU Over Her Home State Program?
In a revealing podcast episode of Sports Illustrated’s “Around the W,” host Maria Clifton, also known as DJ Ria, sat down with MiLaysia Fulwiley to discuss her transfer decision. The interview provided insight into what motivated one of college basketball’s most electrifying players to make such a bold move.
Fulwiley opened up about her decision-making process, explaining how her lifelong connection to South Carolina became a limitation. “I think South Carolina is a great program, but I’m from there. Like, I’ve been there my whole life. School is like 15 minutes away from my house,” she explained.
This proximity to home primarily fueled her desire for change. Having lived in Colombia her entire life, she had never experienced life beyond her hometown environment.
What Role Did Personal Growth Play in Her Decision?
Fulwiley emphasized that she needed to step outside her comfort zone to continue developing as both a player and a person. “So it was like I kind of just felt like I needed a new environment, a new, fresh start,” she noted during the interview.
The guard recognized that college represents the perfect opportunity to explore new challenges and environments. “Like I feel like everybody deserves a fresh start, and while you’re in college, while you have the opportunity to just leave, I think that’s the best time to do it because you can’t just say, ‘Oh, I want to leave,’” Fulwiley shared.
This perspective shows her strategic thinking about her future. She understands that WNBA players don’t have the same transfer flexibility, making this the ideal time to seek new experiences.
Fulwiley’s final explanation centered on her basketball aspirations and career trajectory. “I think it was more like me just wanting a different environment and just seeing my goals and seeing where I want to be and like how those things will align in my career, and felt like that would be the best move,” she shared.
At LSU, she joins talented guards Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams in what promises to be a dynamic backcourt. This contrasts with her role at South Carolina, where she came off the bench despite averaging 11.7 points per game. At LSU, she can expect to have an expanded role in the rotation.
Her transfer adds another layer of intensity to the LSU-South Carolina rivalry while giving Fulwiley exactly what she sought: the fresh start necessary for personal and basketball growth.