Come transfer portal, Dawn Staley knows her business. Think Kamilla Cardoso, Kierra Fletcher, and the most recent WNBA draftee, Te-Hina Paopao. The HC identifies the gap, and it doesn’t stay void for long. Last year, it was Maryam Dauda with her shot-blocking capacity. This year, it is  Ta’Niya Latson and  Madina Okot taking over the backcourt and as a big, respectively. But this time, it’s not just about players coming into her pond—some are swimming out, too. And does the coach care?

Just five days after the loss to Connecticut, news broke that South Carolina sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley planned to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Then, on April 17, she made it official with an Instagram post that read: “Thank you to Coach Staley, the entire South Carolina staff, and my teammates for the unforgettable memories we’ve created together… After thoughtful consideration, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal. I’m excited for what’s next and grateful for the continued love and support.”

But why would someone leave a program like Staley’s? Probably in search of a better opportunity, after she saw limited minutes in her sophomore year and started no games. Since then, speculation has swirled—but she hasn’t committed to a school just yet. However, on April 21, a new report revealed that she’s interested in LSU and Kim Mulkey: “South Carolina transfer MiLaysia Fulwiley will be visiting LSU soon, according to multiple sources. LSU seems to be the frontrunner at this point to land Fulwiley.”

feature-image

For a team finishing 31-6 record while averaging 84.9 points per game, Fulwiley is a decent pick. She’s already an experienced player, averaging 11.7 points per game in just 19 minutes average. But, losing her on the other hand would be a major blow for Staley. Especially considering she was the second-best scorer on the SC’s roster. And not just that, she was even part of last season’s undefeated national championship team. But don’t underestimate Staley.

Just around the time the word came about of Fulwiley considering LSU, Staley had a note to drop.

“A birdie just flew in the nest!!!” she wrote on X. No, it’s not poetry—but it is her signature phrase signaling an upcoming roster move.

The Gamecocks have lost 3 players to the WNBA draft this year — Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin. Sakima Walker entered the portal, too, after averaging 1.4 points and 0.7 rebounds. Staley had quite a few spots fill, and she seems to be doing it rather exceptionally.

Before the departure, the reload: how Staley prepped SC for the unseen!

Even before Fulwiley can make a move out and impact roster’s depth, Staley took relevant action. The phrase she delivered was after sources told On3Sports on April 19 that Madina Okot was visiting South Carolina. According to her social media, Okot was in Columbia with the Gamecocks from April 18–20. Now, it has been made official. She played one season at Mississippi State after two years at Zetech University. She started all 34 games last season, averaging 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, with 11 double-doubles.

Just look at her second-round NCAA Tournament game against Cal: she posted 14 points and 13 rebounds. But what makes her even more valuable right now is that the Gamecocks are in dire need of a true centre. Although Joyce Edwards is expected to step into the starting lineup if Staley goes with three guards and two forwards, Okot could still provide solid minutes off the bench.

And let’s not forget—Staley has said she wants someone with experience. While Okot has spent just one year in the SEC, that’s a huge advantage. She’s already adjusted to the physicality of the conference. Ironically, that’s also believed to be one of the reasons Fulwiley entered the portal.

With Ta’Niya Latson transferring to South Carolina and Raven Johnson returning, Fulwiley might have seen her minutes getting cut. And that’s why the SEC’s Sixth Player of the Year—who averaged 18.9 minutes off the bench this season—made the tough call.