Kim Mulkey, head coach of the LSU women”s basketball team, has expressed her admiration for star transfer MiLaysia Fulwiley following a preseason challenge aimed at helping her adapt to her new position as starting point guard. The Tigers have begun the 2025-26 season with a perfect 3-0 record, significantly bolstered by Fulwiley”s contributions.
Previously a key player for the South Carolina Gamecocks, where she earned the title of 2025 SEC Sixth Player of the Year, Fulwiley has made a seamless transition to her current role at LSU. Mulkey acknowledged that she had observed Fulwiley dominate on the court in prior encounters. “I”m going to challenge her to learn the point guard position,” Mulkey stated, highlighting Fulwiley”s strong defensive skills.
So far this season, Fulwiley has demonstrated her defensive prowess, averaging an impressive 4.3 steals per game. Following LSU”s dominant 115-25 victory against SE Louisiana in their second game, Mulkey remarked, “Quick hands. I wouldn”t want MiLaysia to guard me. Her hands are so quick.”
The 20-year-old Fulwiley is also contributing offensively, with averages of 15.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and shooting 57.1 percent from the field. She played a crucial role in helping South Carolina secure the NCAA Championship in 2024, earning the SEC Tournament MVP award that same year after defeating formidable opponents including LSU.
“She”s beaten me too many times for me not to have taken her into this program,” Mulkey said, reflecting on her decision to bring Fulwiley to LSU. After winning their season opener, Fulwiley shared her excitement, stating, “There weren”t any butterflies,” and noted her smooth adjustment to life in Baton Rouge. “I think I just wanted to win, honestly. I already know what this team is capable of doing,” she added.
Fulwiley emphasized her focus on improving her shot selection, mentioning, “I think I”m getting really great at being calm and taking the shot I want and not taking the shots that the defense is forcing me to take, and that just comes from a lot of practice.”
While LSU has yet to face particularly challenging opponents, the Tigers have convincingly defeated teams like Houston Christian, Southeast Louisiana, and Georgia Southern. The upcoming schedule remains relatively light as they prepare to face Charlotte on November 12. However, December will bring tougher competition, including a road game against No. 7 Duke, and high-stakes matchups against No. 4 Texas and Fulwiley”s former team, No. 2 South Carolina, on Valentine”s Day.
