BREAKING NEWS: South Carolina Gamecocks Star Guard MiLaysia Fulwiley Makes Major Announcement, Head Coach Dawn Staley Reacts in Shock
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the South Carolina Gamecocks’ fanbase and the college basketball world, star guard MiLaysia Fulwiley has made a major announcement that has left even Head Coach Dawn Staley in stunned disbelief. The announcement, made earlier today via social media, promises to reshape the future of the program and has sparked widespread speculation about what this could mean for both Fulwiley’s career and the Gamecocks’ 2025-2026 season.
The news comes on the heels of Fulwiley’s exceptional performance during the 2024-2025 season, in which she was widely considered one of the top players in women’s college basketball. Her leadership on the court, coupled with her ability to make crucial plays in high-pressure moments, earned her numerous accolades and cemented her status as one of the best players in the SEC.
However, despite all of her success, Fulwiley’s latest announcement was anything but predictable. The 21-year-old guard revealed that she would be not entering the WNBA draft this spring, despite being projected to go high in the first round. Instead, she announced her decision to return for another season with the Gamecocks.
“I’m not done yet,” Fulwiley wrote in her announcement, “South Carolina is home, and there’s still unfinished business here. I owe it to myself, my teammates, and this incredible program to keep pushing and chasing a championship. I’m coming back for one more year, and I can’t wait to finish what we started.”
Fulwiley’s decision to return for a final season has stunned many in the sports world. For months, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that the talented guard would declare for the WNBA draft, especially considering the strong season she just completed. Her remarkable versatility, leadership skills, and ability to dominate on both ends of the floor made her one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the nation.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, who has guided the Gamecocks to numerous championships and a consistently dominant presence in NCAA women’s basketball, responded to the news with both surprise and excitement.
“MiLaysia’s decision caught me off guard,” Staley said in an interview shortly after Fulwiley’s announcement. “But I also know MiLaysia. She’s always been a player who’s driven by more than just individual success. Her love for this program, her teammates, and the Gamecock family is unmatched. I couldn’t be more excited for her to return for another year. We’ve got a lot to build on, and with MiLaysia’s leadership, we’re going to be a team to watch.”
Staley emphasized that Fulwiley’s leadership on and off the court will be invaluable as the Gamecocks look to make another run at a national title. With key players from last season graduating or entering the draft, Fulwiley’s return provides the team with the stability and firepower it needs to remain one of the top teams in the country.
For Fulwiley, the decision to return for another season signifies her commitment to achieving greatness with her teammates. It also signals a chance for her to further develop her skills before ultimately entering the professional ranks. With an additional year under Staley’s tutelage, Fulwiley will have the opportunity to refine her game and potentially improve her draft stock even further.
As for the Gamecocks, they now enter the offseason with heightened expectations. With Fulwiley leading the charge, they are poised to remain a dominant force in college basketball for another year. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this decision will affect the team’s trajectory and whether Fulwiley can help bring another championship to Columbia.
Fulwiley’s announcement today marks a pivotal moment in South Carolina’s storied program, and the basketball world will be watching closely to see how the Gamecocks respond in the coming months. As of now, it’s clear that MiLaysia Fulwiley isn’t finished making her mark on the college basketball world just yet.
