Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers are going into next season with one of the strongest squads in college basketball. From Flau’jae Johnson to Mikaylah Williams, LSU is stacked in every position.
LSU ranks fifth in the AP preseason rankings for the 2025-26 season. With the addition of Grace Knox, Kate Koval, Amiya Joyner, and MiLaysia Fulwiley, LSU would definitely aim to win the national championship.
Although all the new players bring something different to the team, Fulwiley’s addition is certainly the biggest thing to look forward to for the LSU Tigers. Coming from Dawn Staley’s South Carolina, Fulwiley has a certain reputation. She showed glimpses of generational talent for the Gamecocks.
Although it did not work out with Staley due to differences in playing style, Fulwiley will be looking forward to playing her best brand of basketball under Mulkey. Fulwiley already has good bonds with LSU players, and Flau’jae just confirmed that in the most recent interview on LSU media day.
“I couldn’t never say I was a fan of her before. You know what I’m saying? But rivals, right? Man, just seeing her in practice, just some of the stuff she do. I’m like, how is she doing that?” Flau’jae Johnson said in awe of Milaysia Fulwiley (1:42).
“Her instincts, talk about an instinctual player. She just makes us quicker, faster. And her mindset, like I told her, ‘You know, whatever you need, I got you.’ You know what I’m saying? And she’s eager to learn. So, that’s the best part about playing with her. She wants to learn. I told her, ‘Go get in that film with Bob Starkey.’ And she’s been going ever since. So, her mind, she just wants to grow. She wants to be better, and she just wants to do good. So, it’s been fun having her there,” she added.
Flau’jae’s words also show how she is embracing the leadership role given to her by Kim Mulkey in her final season.
MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Falling Out With Dawn Staley
Dawn Staley’s basketball often requires dynamic and versatile players. There are certain roles for Staley that she needs her players to play, and that’s how she has run South Carolina over the years. Staley often needs players to adapt to the situation and play according to the opponents.
MiLaysia Fulwiley did not quite fit in that brand of the game. Fulwiley is an expressive player. She can drive the play, dribble the ball with great handles, and finish off with unbelievable plays. However, she was losing individuality under Staley, which is why her game time was reduced towards the end of last season. Under Fulwiley, she will be looking for that freedom.
It was most probably the best thing for Staley’s South Carolina and also Fulwiley. Staley has publicly said she wishes Fulwiley to do well with her new team, and Fulwiley is also grateful for all the learning from coach Staley.
Read More:
- “Not Dirty; That’s Just ’I Got Your Back, Teammate”: When Kim Mulkey Defended Angel Reese Despite Backlash Over Her Physical Play
- “Don’t Need To Ask Me if Angel Reese Is Good”: When Kim Mulkey Snapped Back After LSU’s SEC Title Loss to Dawn Staley’s South Carolina
- “We’re Not Best Friends, by Any Means”: When Caitlin Clark Set the Record Straight on Her Rivalry With Angel Reese
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