MiLaysia Fulwiley is often described as a masterpiece under construction, making her one of the most intriguing players in college basketball today. Known for her unpredictable style, Fulwiley has earned the nickname “Sometimes.” This moniker reflects her remarkable ability to play magnificent basketball at times, while at other moments, she struggles with basic tasks. Her game is a fascinating mix of extraordinary moves that few guards would dare to attempt, contrasted by moments of inaction when she should be making plays.
Coaching MiLaysia Fulwiley presents both excitement and difficulty. “Sometimes you can’t believe what she just did, and sometimes you can’t understand what she just tried,” says Khadijah Sessions, an assistant coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks and a former point guard for the team. Sessions has worked closely with Fulwiley, who has shown that she can be influenced by external factors like crowd energy and opponent taunts, often leading her to make unpredictable decisions on the court.
Fulwiley's basketball education began in an unconventional manner; she primarily learned the game through highlights and mixtapes rather than watching full games until her high school years. This resulted in her mastering the more complex aspects of basketball before grasping the fundamental skills. “All this weird stuff: behind the back, between her legs,” Sessions recalls, noting that Fulwiley has been performing these advanced maneuvers since she was in fifth grade. By the time she joined the Gamecocks, she was already a standout player, but she still needed to develop a deeper understanding of the game.
During her freshman year, Fulwiley averaged only 18 minutes per game, despite her evident talent. Coaches pointed out areas for improvement, but she often met their suggestions with resistance. “As a freshman, you think you know it all, and you don’t,” Fulwiley admits. She had championship aspirations but approached the game with a mixtape mindset, focusing on flashy plays rather than team dynamics. “Honestly, I don’t really look to make highlights. I’m an instinct player,” she explains, showcasing her unique approach to the game.
Fulwiley acknowledges that her past attitude towards practice was misguided. “I didn’t understand the growing, the process, the love that you have to have for college basketball,” she reflects. Although her talent shone through during games, fans often questioned her playing time, as her effort would sometimes wane. Through working with South Carolina’s sports performance coach, Fulwiley realized that her struggles were more mental than physical. “If you tell yourself you’re tired, then you’re tired,” she says, highlighting her evolving understanding of the mental aspects of the game.
This season, Fulwiley has shown flashes of brilliance and moments of struggle. For instance, in a recent Sweet 16 game against the Maryland Terrapins, she was arguably the best player on the court, scoring 23 points in just 21 minutes. Conversely, her performance in the subsequent Elite Eight matchup against the Duke Blue Devils was a stark contrast, revealing her ongoing challenges with consistency. “You put the ball in her hands and allow her to just create her magic,” coach Dawn Staley said after the Maryland game, emphasizing Fulwiley's potential.
Despite her talent, Fulwiley has faced criticism for her mental lapses during high-pressure situations. In the game against Duke, she committed several traveling violations and appeared disengaged at critical moments. This inconsistency often frustrates both her and her coaches. “I practice like an all-around great player, but when I get in the game, I just start messing up,” she admits, shedding light on the gap between her practice performance and game execution.
Fulwiley is also learning the importance of defense, which she previously overlooked. “I realized that defense is bigger than offense,” she states, acknowledging her shift in focus. While she demonstrates some impressive on-ball defense, her off-ball awareness still needs improvement. Coaches have been guiding her to blend her unique skills with fundamental basketball principles, a journey that is still in progress.
At just 19 years old, MiLaysia Fulwiley is still in the early stages of her basketball career, yet her talent and drive are undeniable. “I just wanted to be a star, and I know I will one day,” she declares, showcasing her ambition. As she continues to refine her skills and develop a more consistent mental game, the basketball world eagerly anticipates what the future holds for this generational talent.
