He only needed four dribbles.
In South Carolina’s season opener against Notre Dame, MiLecia Fulvili made headlines after blowing through a swarm of green jerseys with an elite move from behind to finish off the streak.
The Gamecocks would go on to dominate the Fighting Irish, 100-71, in their season opener in Paris, France. Fullville finished with 17 points, six assists and six steals in his debut. And it didn’t take long for his impressive stats and video highlights to highlight the timelines.
Word traveled 4,000 miles back to the United States. the star was rising.
Gamecocks fans perked up, haters fell silent, and the world showed up. Since then, Fulvili has just kept working. The Columbia, SC native is a burst of speed, an undeniable screamer and loaded with shot-making ability and handles. It was clear from the start that he was special, and since then he has been in his first season, averaging 11.7 points to go along with 82 assists and 63 steals. His season peaked in the SEC Tournament final against LSU, where he dropped 24 points off the bench. The silky smooth wizard of basketball was then rightfully crowned SEC Tournament MVP.
“MiLaysia is a generational player, an artist who expands her understanding every day of how to marry all aspects of her game,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said. according to a press release announcing that Fulvili has signed with Curry Brand. “We’re learning from each other about how to maximize his game, and working with him in that process has been incredible.”
His vivid playing is transcendent. “When it comes to the ability to change the game well, no one speaks more highly of that than MiLaysia,” Stephen Curry said. “She’s changing the women’s game in the way she plays and moves on the court.”
While Fulvili’s offensive prowess is undeniable, that’s not all he can do. Despite being a natural goal scorer, Fulvili is not afraid to be on the defensive side of the floor. he grabbed nine boards against East Carolina and has a game-high six steals. And the most impressive thing is that he does all this coming off the bench.
It’s crazy to think Fulville is only a freshman, but then again, he’s helping to lead a new generation of phenoms that aren’t just next, but right now. Don’t look away from him. SLAM 248 cover star Juju WatkinsHannah Hidalgo (to name a few) and even her teammate Tessa Johnson, who also made buckets in last night’s championship win against Iowa.
Under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley, Fulville has shined throughout the season. What we saw from him in this year’s NCAA Tournament is just a glimpse of what he can do; jaw-dropping gameplay, unreal stunts and borderline endings. He’s funny, he’s got charm, and he’s just getting started.
Photos via Getty Images.
