College Basketball

LSU or Notre Dame? Why MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Transfer Portal Decision Comes Down To More Than Money

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By
David Evans
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David Evans Sports Editor

David Evans is an experienced sports journalist with over 15 years in the field. He is known for his reliable and insightful commentary, which has been featured on numerous top sports betting platforms. David specializes in North Carolina basketball, college football, the NFL, soccer, and golf, offering deep knowledge and straightforward analysis in his articles. Outside of work, David stays active with regular gym workouts and enjoys relaxing at home with his cat. With a solid blend of experience and passion, David is a well-respected name in sports journalism, consistently providing valuable and informative content to his readers.

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Published23 Apr 2025

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South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley has entered the transfer portal and instantly became one of the top women’s college basketball players available. She’s one of the most creative guards in the country, capable of scoring in bunches and shifting momentum in any game. Fulwiley was relegated to the bench and played fewer than 20 minutes per game under Dawn Staley, but that didn’t stop her from averaging 11.7 points in each of her first two collegiate seasons.

Right now, LSU and Notre Dame are believed to be leading the race to land her. Here are the top landing spots and potential destinations for Fulwiley’s next team.

Notre Dame Could Be Surprise Destination

Notre Dame recently lost one of the top players in the country in Olivia Miles, who was expected to be the No. 2 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Instead of going to the pros, Miles made shockwaves by entering her name in the transfer portal and starting over at TCU, raising serious questions about the state of the Fighting Irish women’s basketball program and her relationship with fellow star Hannah Hidalgo.

However, Fulwiley and Hidalgo played together at UA Elite 24 showcase, so there’s already some familiarity between the two stars.

If Fulwiley wants to get revenge on South Carolina and compete for a national title, Notre Dame might be her best opportunity to turn the tables with a high-profile program.

LSU Can Offer The Biggest NIL Deal

LSU’s roster is shifting quickly. Flau’jae Johnson announced she’ll return for her senior season, but Aneesah Morrow is going pro and several other pieces have moved on. To reload, LSU added Notre Dame transfer Kate Koval, a highly regarded post prospect.

This opens a clear opportunity in the backcourt. Fulwiley would immediately become one of the most dynamic scoring options on the roster. Kim Mulkey’s system gives high-usage guards plenty of freedom, and Fulwiley’s ability to create off the dribble fits that approach.

Mulkey has already been vocal about the transfer portal, indicating that the Tigers are “not done” adding talent ahead of next season. The team recently hosted Wisconsin forward Serah Williams on a visit, and while Fulwiley hasn’t made the trip to Baton Rouge yet, she would instantly propel LSU near the top of the short list of potential national title contenders.

LSU also brings major NIL advantages. The program has a national profile and strong media presence, which would add to Fulwiley’s existing deal with Curry Brand.

Ole Miss Coach Dispels Transfer Portal Rumors

After a post circulated on X linking Fulwiley to Ole Miss, Rebels head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin refuted the report, saying that the rumors were ‘fake news’.

Ole Miss is fresh off of an impressive Sweet 16 run and could use a player of Fulwiley’s caliber to help them get over the hump. They’ve already been reloading in the transfer portal, securing six commitments to help retool the roster for another March Madness run.

Fulwiley originally chose Ole Miss are part of her top five schools during the recruiting process in high school before ultimately choosing South Carolina.

Nevertheless, it seems like the rumors were purely speculation and that the former five-star recruit will be headed elsewhere next year.

Indiana’s Case for Fulwiley: Minutes and Leadership

Indiana has seen nine players depart—three graduated, six entered the portal. That includes key contributors like Lexus Bargesser, leaving the backcourt wide open. This kind of reset means Fulwiley wouldn’t need to fight for her role. She’d walk into a system that needs her, not just wants her.

Teri Moren is one of the longest-tenured coaches in the Big Ten, and her teams are consistently structured, physical, and competitive. If Fulwiley is looking for consistency and a green light to run the show, Indiana offers both.

Duke, UNC, Georgia Among Top Schools

Duke made the Elite Eight and could use a replacement for Vanessa de Jesus. Kara Lawson runs a disciplined program that develops guards well, but Duke already has returning talent, and Fulwiley would face more competition there. With the recent departure of sophomore guard Oluchi Okananwa, Fulwiley would have a clear path to a featured role in one of the top conferences in the country.

Likewise, North Carolina and NC State are also expected to make a late push at Fulwiley. Both teams are looking to ascend up the ACC standings but North Carolina is considered a more serious destination for Fulwiley. The Tar Heels lost their top three scorers, two of whom earned camp invites following the WNBA Draft. Despite their departures, UNC has a strong returning backcourt and the addition of Fulwiley could help the Tar Heels get over the hump in the ACC.

Georgia, meanwhile, has been loosely connected but hasn’t made a serious move. They’re a long shot unless something changes fast.

What’s Next for Fulwiley?

Unless a surprise team jumps in late, this decision looks like it’ll come down to LSU, Notre Dame, and Duke. Fulwiley will be weighing guaranteed minutes, coaching fit, NIL support, and a place where she can step in as the focal point right away. The former South Carolina star has already said that money was not a deciding factor in her life-changing decision to change schools, so it’s possible that she values opportunity and fit above the potential for lucrative NIL deals. That would make Notre Dame an enticing landing spot for one of the top guards in women’s college basketball.