She was the spark off the bench, the fan favorite, the hometown hero with her own shoe line and a highlight reel longer than the season. But now, the generational talent is entering the transfer portal — and the college basketball world is shook.

South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley enters transfer portal after national championship loss

Just when you think the transfer portal can’t get any more surprising, it found a way.

South Carolina star MiLaysia Fulwiley surprised the college basketball world when news broke of her entering the transfer portal, according to The Greenville News.

The soon-to-be junior has been a staple for the Gamecocks for two seasons, coming off the bench for what has been one of the best teams in women’s college basketball.

Fulwiley played an integral role in the team winning the 2024 national championship as well as in their run to a title game appearance this year.

The 5-foot-10 standout was a key reserve for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks, averaging 11.7 points per game each of her first two college seasons.

MiLaysia Fulwiley reacts in the fourth quarter against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship on April 06, 2025. Getty Images

Fulwiley has also averaged roughly three rebounds and two assists per game in her college career.

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Fulwiley won SEC Tournament MVP as a freshman and earned All-SEC honors and was the Conference’s Sixth Player of the Year this past season.

The dynamic guard has never averaged even 20 minutes per game.

It appeared that Fulwiley’s playing time would continue to remain at the same level, given that teammate Raven Johnson announced she was returning to the school for the 2025-26 season, as well as the commitment of Ta’Niya Latson, who has transferred to the school from Florida State.

MiLaysia Fulwiley reacts after a shot against the Texas Longhorns during the Final Four semifinal game at Amalie Arena on April 4, 2025. NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Johnson, a starter on the team, starts primarily for her defense and has been named an All-SEC defender at USC.

Latson was an All-America second team member at Florida State last season after averaging 25.2 points per game.

For her college career, she averages 22.5 points per contest.

Fulwiley is expected to command significant interest while in the portal.