COLUMBIA, S.C. — Within the opening moments of South Carolina’s Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinal against Vanderbilt, the Gamecocks found themselves tied at 9-9. Coach Dawn Staley decided it was time for a change and turned to backup point guard MiLaysia Fulwiley.
Stepping onto the court, Fulwiley quickly made an impact, demonstrating her agility and quick thinking. She seized a long rebound and powered down the court, outpacing two Vanderbilt defenders for a quick layup in the final moments of the quarter, leaving one of them stumbling. As Vanderbilt scrambled for a last-second shot, Fulwiley intercepted a pass, hurried up the court, and sunk a 3-pointer just before the buzzer.
This sudden push handed South Carolina a solid nine-point lead going into the next quarter. Fulwiley concluded the game with an impressive stat line: 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and four steals within just 22 minutes of play. The Gamecocks triumphed 84-63, with the bench contributing significantly by outscoring Vanderbilt’s reserves 33-4. Fulwiley’s outstanding performance earned her a spot on the all-tournament team, as South Carolina won all their games by at least 18 points.
Coach Staley praised Fulwiley after the game, calling her a “generational talent,” as she continues to witness remarkable feats from the young player. Fulwiley, despite her impressive capabilities, seems perfectly content taking on a supporting role for South Carolina, a team aiming for its third national championship in four seasons as a consistent No. 1 seed.
“We all share the same goal: winning,” Fulwiley expressed. “It doesn’t matter if you start or if you come off the bench. We push each other to become better and to win.”
South Carolina is well-known for its deep talent pool, a feature that’s integral to their success. Staley has cultivated an environment of excellence, much like notable programs at Connecticut and Tennessee in past decades. This approach has created a pathway for players dreaming of the WNBA.
South Carolina’s bench depth is unparalleled in women’s college basketball. Their backups average 41.5 points per game, significantly outpacing the next closest Division I team. With South Carolina averaging 80.5 points per game, it’s not unusual for several players to contribute double-digits in scoring rather than relying on a single standout scorer.
Texas coach Vic Schaefer remarked, “For South Carolina, it isn’t about who scores the most — it’s about the team overall.”
Balancing such talent requires careful management from Staley, beginning with recruiting players who embrace a team-first mentality. This means players must be prepared for fluctuating minutes and roles as the season progresses.
Staley commented, “We’re upfront with recruits—no one is guaranteed a starting spot. It’s about choosing players who resonate with our ethos.”
According to Staley, choosing players who have an innate interest in what the team offers is key to continuity and success.
“There’s an aspect of our program that attracts these players,” she elaborated. “That’s what keeps them motivated with us.”
Inherently, athletes are competitive, and concerns about playing time can arise. Over her tenure, Staley, who boasts a record of 470-109 since 2008 with the Gamecocks, has learned to navigate these concerns through open communication and honesty.
“Having open conversations helps resolve misunderstandings early on,” Staley noted. “We address issues immediately, whether they’re positive or negative, to help players grow and cope with challenges.”
Such was the situation on senior night, when Staley opted to rest senior Bree Hall in the final quarter, a decision she took the time to explain to maintain transparency and trust within the team.
Reflecting on the decision, Staley said, “Sure, athletes are competitive, but a dialogue helps them understand the big picture. That communication is crucial.”
Staley’s strategy of maintaining clear communication plays a crucial role in the program’s ongoing success and the cohesion of her talented roster.
