As the dust settles after the exhilarating 2024-25 women’s basketball season, which saw the South Carolina Gamecocks reach the national championship game only to fall to UConn, attention has swiftly turned to the upcoming season. With key roster changes and new additions looming, predictions about who will anchor the Gamecocks’ lineup next season are rife, particularly with standout guard Milaysia Fulwiley at the center of the conversation.
The Landscape of South Carolina’s Roster
The Gamecocks, under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley, have made significant moves to bolster their roster. The addition of Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson, who led the nation in scoring last season, is expected to shake up the backcourt dynamic. Alongside her return, Raven Johnson, a seasoned player in the program, has opted to use her final year of eligibility at South Carolina, creating a powerful triumvirate of talent alongside Fulwiley.
With multiple guards and emerging talents, South Carolina’s projected roster for the 2025-26 season will prominently feature a mix of returning players and new recruits. The expected lineup includes guards Johnson, Fulwiley, Tessa Johnson, and Maddy McDaniel, in addition to forwards Joyce Edwards, Chloe Kitts, and the incoming recruits Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer, among others.
Exploring Possible Starting Lineups
The pressing question for fans and experts alike is how all this talent will be structured within the starting lineup. Should Staley adopt a three-guard approach, several combinations could emerge, each presenting unique strengths and challenges.
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Option 1:
- Starters: Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, Milaysia Fulwiley
- Bench: Tessa Johnson, Maddy McDaniel, Ayla McDowell, Agot Makeer
This lineup capitalizes on Fulwiley’s scoring ability and playmaking skills, complementing Latson’s offensive prowess while leveraging Johnson’s defensive acumen.
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Option 2:
- Starters: Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, Tessa Johnson
- Bench: Milaysia Fulwiley, Maddy McDaniel, Ayla McDowell, Agot Makeer
Here, Tessa Johnson’s potential for growth may offer a slightly more balanced offensive scheme. However, it would mean that Fulwiley, a dynamic contributor during her first two seasons, takes on a bench role.
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Option 3:
- Starters: Ta’Niya Latson, Tessa Johnson, Milaysia Fulwiley
- Bench: Raven Johnson, Maddy McDaniel, Ayla McDowell, Agot Makeer
In this scenario, focusing on scoring from the outset could prove effective, although it might risk defensive vulnerability without Johnson’s experience in the lineup.
The Fulwiley Factor
Milaysia Fulwiley, who showcased her potential as the SEC’s Sixth Woman of the Year, has become an integral part of South Carolina’s plans. Her ability to score efficiently and play in high-pressure situations positions her as a key player, regardless of whether she starts or comes off the bench. While social media speculation swirls about Fulwiley’s future and talk of her potentially transferring has gained traction, her resilience and commitment to the Gamecocks appear steadfast.
The narrative surrounding Fulwiley’s role is especially critical. If she continues to develop and embrace the challenges of her junior season, her impact will reverberate throughout the Gamecocks’ journey. The competition for starting spots will undoubtedly serve to elevate her game and fortify the team’s overall effectiveness.
Conclusion
As South Carolina prepares for the 2025-26 season, all eyes will be on the intriguing interplay of talent within the roster. Milaysia Fulwiley’s position will be vital, as she navigates her role amid an influx of notable players, including the high-scoring Ta’Niya Latson. Coach Dawn Staley’s strategic decisions will be under the microscope as fans speculate on who will fill the starting lineup. Regardless of the outcome, the anticipation for another thrilling season of Gamecocks women’s basketball is palpable, and Fulwiley’s contribution will be a key storyline to watch.
