**The Domino Effect Hits Dawn Staley’s South Carolina: National Analyst Explains MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Exit**
The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program, under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, has been a powerhouse in collegiate basketball. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over the team’s success. Sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, a standout player who contributed significantly to the team’s achievements, has entered the transfer portal, leading to widespread speculation about the reasons behind her departure. ([South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley Addresses MiLaysia Fulwiley Transfer Chatter](https://www.si.com/onsi/womens-fastbreak/news/south-carolina-coach-dawn-staley-addresses-milaysia-fulwiley-transfer-chatter-01jdqns1e13b?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
### The Rise and Fall of MiLaysia Fulwiley at South Carolina
MiLaysia Fulwiley’s journey with the Gamecocks began with promise. As a freshman, she earned SEC Tournament MVP honors and was named the Conference’s Sixth Player of the Year. Her dynamic playing style and scoring ability made her a fan favorite. However, despite her individual accolades, Fulwiley’s role on the team became a topic of discussion. Throughout her tenure, she often came off the bench, averaging less than 20 minutes per game, even during critical matchups. This limited playing time, especially in high-stakes games, raised questions among fans and analysts alike. ([South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley enters transfer portal after national championship loss](https://nypost.com/2025/04/11/sports/south-carolinas-milaysia-fulwiley-enters-transfer-portal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
A pivotal moment came during a game against UCLA, where Fulwiley played only three minutes and scored zero points. Her brief stint on the court and subsequent removal left her visibly upset, leading to emotional reactions from both her and the fanbase. This incident intensified the ongoing debates about her role and future with the team. ([“This is sabotage”: College hoops fans push MiLaysia Fulwiley to leave Dawn Staley after UCLA snaps South Carolina’s 43 game win streak](https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/news-this-sabotage-college-hoops-fans-push-milaysia-fulwiley-leave-dawn-staley-ucla-snaps-south-carolina-s-43-game-win-streak?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
### Analyst’s Perspective: The Domino Effect
National basketball analysts have weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Fulwiley’s exit is part of a broader pattern within the program. One analyst noted that the arrival of high-scoring transfer Ta’Niya Latson likely further limited Fulwiley’s future role, prompting her move. The analyst also highlighted that Fulwiley’s limited playing time, despite her evident talent, may have been influenced by coaching decisions that prioritized other players. ([5 interesting landing spots for the most exciting player in the women’s basketball transfer portal](https://www.sbnation.com/2025/4/11/24406392/milaysia-fulwiley-transfer-portal-womens-basketball-south-carolina-lsu-clemson?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The analyst further explained that Fulwiley’s decision to transfer is not just about seeking more playing time but also about finding an environment where her skills are fully utilized and appreciated. Programs like Ole Miss, Louisville, Clemson, Maryland, and Notre Dame have been mentioned as potential landing spots, each offering unique advantages that align with Fulwiley’s aspirations. ([5 interesting landing spots for the most exciting player in the women’s basketball transfer portal](https://www.sbnation.com/2025/4/11/24406392/milaysia-fulwiley-transfer-portal-womens-basketball-south-carolina-lsu-clemson?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
### Dawn Staley’s Response
Coach Dawn Staley has addressed the situation with a focus on trust and process. She emphasized that every player has their journey and that the team’s environment is built on mutual trust. Staley acknowledged the challenges of balancing individual talent with team dynamics and expressed confidence in Fulwiley’s growth, both on and off the court. ([South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley Addresses MiLaysia Fulwiley Transfer Chatter](https://www.si.com/onsi/womens-fastbreak/news/south-carolina-coach-dawn-staley-addresses-milaysia-fulwiley-transfer-chatter-01jdqns1e13b?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
### Conclusion
MiLaysia Fulwiley’s departure from South Carolina marks the end of a chapter in the team’s storied history. While the reasons behind her exit are multifaceted, they underscore the complexities of managing talent, expectations, and team cohesion. As Fulwiley embarks on the next phase of her career, the basketball community will undoubtedly watch her journey with keen interest.
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