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South Carolina Fans Scrutinize Kim Mulkey's MiLaysia Fulwiley Comment

LSU coach Kim Mulkey relayed a remark from star guard MiLaysia Fulwiley that sparked pushback from South Carolina fans.
Robin Lundberg|
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey speaks during SEC Media Day at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey speaks during SEC Media Day at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2024. | Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

MiLaysia Fulwiley is one of the most entertaining players in women's college basketball. That is due to her electric style of play on the court. But she has also drawn a lot of attention in other ways, including her decision to transfer from South Carolina to rival LSU.

Fulwiley's role while playing under Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley was the subject of much debate, with some observers wondering whether Staley was too rigid in dealing with Fulwiley's penchant for off-the-cuff creativity.

This is why a comment Fulwiley's current coach Kim Mulkey relayed has turned heads.

The Tigers snapped a two-game losing skid against Georgia on Thursday and afterwards Mulkey was asked about Fulwiley's defense.

"MiLaysia made a great point when I talked to her about that and I want you to hear what she said, because it was like 'wow' moment for me," Mulkey stated.

"You can't take away what she does offensively so what you try to do is make her understand the value defensively is as important if not more important than what you do offensively, especially late in the games. And her response, very respectfully, is coach do you realize in my years in college I've never been in a game late. I'm never on the floor late to try to help a team win a ball game," Mulkey continued.

"So it's my job to continue to teach, to make her get better, to make her understand the value of I can't sub you offense, defense, we need you to do both. But what a powerful comment when she said coach I'm going to get better."

South Carolina Fans Dispute Mulkey's Fulwiley Remark

Milaysia fulwiley of lsu
Nov 17, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers guard Milaysia Fulwiley (23)) reacts after a free throw with LSU Tigers guard Zakiyah Johnson (11) against the Tulane Green Wave during the second half at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images | Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The spirit of Mulkey's remark actually sums up Fulwiley's college career thus far. The idea that she needs to improve other aspects of her game and dial back risk-taking is what Staley was also trying to develop, while letting her play through mistakes is what many felt was needed. But the literal truth of what Mulkey relayed has come under dispute from South Carolina supporters.

"Now listen… I love lay but she know lol," wrote @Achievement_4.

While @Gamecock_Alum11 said, "Somebody lying! The proof is in her game tape from the last two seasons!"

@MuffinMcgraw added, "She was in late against Maryland, UConn, LSU multiple times, Tennessee, Notre Dame and in the National Championship game! It’s all in the footage! Don’t lie like that"

"Glad we have video evidence of this blatant damn lie… like I’m tryna still like and support Fulwiley from afar, but what we NOT gon do, is lie on Dawn Staley!!!!," said @WhatMuffThinks

"Either Coach Mulkey lied or MiLaysia lied." added @LUVYCC

"MiLaysia Fulwiley played the final 2:31 of South Carolina's Sweet 16 win over Maryland last year, entering the game when the Gamecocks were down a point.

She also played the final 6:57 of the SEC Tournament quarterfinals against Vanderbilt.

Just two examples that came to mind." pointed out @primetimeMitch

Others recalled Fulwiley being in a game late against Mulkey's own LSU team.

The bottom line is Fulwiley's potential will continue to captivate fans, with her change of scenery only stirring the pot of the rivalry between South Carolina and LSU. And it will certainly be interesting to see how she continues to grow playing for Mulkey.

In the meantime, fans on both sides will surely have plenty to say.

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Robin Lundberg
ROBIN LUNDBERG

Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!

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