GREENVILLE, South Carolina − Stephen Curry watched the videos of MiLaysia Fulwiley showcasing her basketball skills. Her ability to perform a scoop layup by wrapping the ball around her back had the NBA star in awe, questioning if he had ever witnessed anything like it from someone her age. Curry was captivated by Fulwiley’s graceful yet assertive style on the court, describing her athleticism, creativity, and flair as mesmerizing. He was impressed by her confidence and noted the similarity between her game and his own, highlighting her dramatic flair and killer instinct.
Having been inspired by Curry’s confidence and shooting range, Fulwiley, a standout high school player in Columbia known for her scoring prowess from anywhere on the court, sought to emulate his mentality on the basketball court. This led her to join South Carolina women’s basketball team under the coaching of Dawn Staley, aiming to enhance her flashy playing style within a top-tier system.
Fulwiley’s journey to South Carolina was influenced by her successful AAU season with Team Curry in Charlotte and her participation in Curry Camp in San Francisco, where she caught Curry’s attention with her silky moves and offensive skills. Recognized as a five-star prospect and a top-ranked point guard nationally, Fulwiley’s decision was solidified by the support and guidance of her mother, emphasizing the importance of accountability and sacrifice in achieving success at the collegiate and professional levels.
Transitioning from a local legend to a standout sophomore guard with the Gamecocks, Fulwiley impressed Curry with her humility, ambition, and unique basketball abilities. Curry commended her ball handling, speed, athleticism, and fearlessness on the court, acknowledging her potential for further growth and improvement. In a historic move, Fulwiley became the first college athlete to sign with Curry Brand, symbolizing a partnership rooted in mentorship and recognition of her talent and dedication to the game.
South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley has been making waves with her exceptional skills and accomplishments on the basketball court. Last season, she clinched the title of SEC Tournament MVP and dazzled audiences with a highlight reel brimming with crafty plays. Coach Dawn Staley, renowned for nurturing talent like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston, hailed Fulwiley as a generational player after a standout performance to kick off the 2023-24 season in Paris. Reflecting on her journey, Fulwiley expressed her realization of being a legitimate force in the game, transcending beyond the realm of generational wealth to carve her own legacy.
While her success has been swift and consistent, Fulwiley remains grounded, refusing to let past achievements define her. Striving for more than just flair on the court, she is focused on honing her game, continuously evolving to push boundaries and exceed expectations. Embracing the challenges of growth, Fulwiley acknowledges that setbacks, such as limited playing time in certain games, are part of the learning process. However, she also relishes moments of brilliance, like her stellar performance against TCU, where she effortlessly contributed 20 points and three steals.
Coach Staley and mentor Steph Curry play pivotal roles in Fulwiley’s development, offering guidance and support as she navigates her basketball journey. Staley emphasizes the importance of balancing flash with fundamentals, tailoring her approach to cater to Fulwiley’s unique learning style. Together, they work towards enhancing her skills, pushing her to embrace new techniques while building upon her existing strengths.
Looking ahead, the future holds promise for Fulwiley and her South Carolina teammates, as they gear up for the Players Era tournament in 2025 alongside powerhouse programs like Duke, Texas, and UCLA. For Fulwiley, every day spent under Staley’s guidance is a stepping stone towards realizing her full potential, a journey that began on the humble driveway where she honed her craft with nothing but basketballs and cones. As she continues to grow and evolve, Fulwiley remains grateful for the opportunities afforded to her, recognizing the progress she has made and the pride she instills in her younger self.
In her pursuit of excellence, Fulwiley embodies determination, resilience, and a deep-rooted passion for the game. With mentors like Staley and Curry by her side, she is poised to reach new heights, fulfilling her aspirations both on and off the court. As she reflects on her journey thus far, Fulwiley stands poised at the threshold of greatness, ready to leave her mark on the world of basketball.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. For inquiries, reach out to lkesin@gannett.com and stay updated on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin.
