“Domino Effect” Hits Dawn Staley’s South Carolina as National Analyst Explains Reason Behind MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Exit

Even without a single game being played yet, so much has already changed on women’s collegiate basketball rosters over the past two weeks. The reason? The transfer portal. Just look at Ta’Niya Latson. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Florida State guard was the leading scorer in the country, averaging 25.5 points per game. Fast forward to now, and she’s suiting up for South Carolina, strengthening Dawn Staley’s already-loaded backcourt. “A birdie just flew into the nest!!!” declared Staley.

Latson’s commitment felt almost inevitable after Florida State’s season came to an end in the second round of the NCAA tournament with a loss to LSU. But there’s more to the story of why Latson’s move to South Carolina made so much sense. To understand it fully, we have to rewind to Latson’s high school days. She built a decorated prep career across Florida and Georgia, stacking state championships and shining on the national stage at GEICO Nationals. Whether it was teaming up with Raven Johnson at Westlake or closing out her high school career with a state title at American Heritage, Latson consistently played at an elite level.

But she wasn’t the only rising star at the time. Alongside her story was MiLaysia Fulwiley’s—a prodigy out of Columbia, South Carolina. By seventh grade, Fulwiley was already helping Keenan High capture a state championship, and she didn’t stop there. She went on to win four state titles and became the school’s all-time leading scorer before graduating.

As both players dominated in their respective regions, it was only natural their paths would eventually cross—and they did, on the AAU circuit. Their talent made them prime targets for elite travel teams, and once paired, they formed one of the most electrifying backcourts in grassroots hoops. Fulwiley brought flair and creativity; Latson brought scoring and grit. The chemistry? Instant.

Years passed, and their paths diverged again. Latson made an immediate impact at Florida State, leading the nation in scoring during the 2024–25 season with an eye-popping 28.6 points per game, including a 39-point explosion against SMU. Fulwiley, meanwhile, played a major role at South Carolina, averaging 11.7 points per game and finishing as the second-leading scorer on Staley’s squad.

So when Latson entered the transfer portal this offseason, her eventual landing at South Carolina felt like a full-circle moment. A reunion. A backcourt reunion that could dominate the SEC. But things took a turn no one quite expected—because after Latson’s arrival, Fulwiley entered the portal herself.

Apr 5, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard MiLaysia Fulwiley (12) shoots against the NC State Wolfpack in the third quarter in the semifinals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

National analysts broke it down. “This was a little bit of a domino effect Autumn because this is a commitment that kind of pushed……I mean, these players have played with each other during AAU, so I want to say the chemistry is there,” one analyst said on a recent episode of the Women’s Hoops Show.

“But for MiLaysia to now want a new chapter for herself? I think that’s just her saying, ‘Hey, I’m ready to be a prominent star.’ It’s all about fit. She’s got a lot of schools interested, but she’s listed as no-contact. She knows what she wants.”

And it’s true—just days after entering the portal, rumors began swirling that LSU might be her next stop. “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,” read a tweet. And why not? Fulwiley would be a strong addition to a program coming off a 31–6 season while averaging 84.9 points per game.

As for Latson, Fulwiley’s departure may have stung. When news of the transfer broke, Latson’s simple response—three heart emojis—said it all. But she needn’t worry. There’s already another talented player ready to have her back.

Raven Johnson to the rescue…

When Ta’Niya Latson entered the transfer portal, it didn’t take long for the rumors to swirl, but the most genuine recruiting pitch came from Raven Johnson. Long before their names lit up college basketball, they were carving out a dynasty together at Westlake High School in Atlanta.

Raven and Ta’Niya shared the court for three years in high school, winning three state championships. During that time, Westlake posted an eye-popping 82–2 record with them leading the charge. Their connection on the court wasn’t something you could coach into existence. It was instinctual. They moved like they were synced, reading each other’s movements and anticipating decisions before they happened. Just ask Hilda Hankerson, who described them as “joined at the hip.”

Now, after years apart, they’re reuniting at South Carolina, and it’s more than just a feel-good story. It could be one of the most explosive backcourt pairings in the nation.

I mean, why not? Raven knows exactly how Ta’Niya likes the ball, where she’s most dangerous on the court, and knows how to open up lanes for her to attack. And Ta’Niya knows when to leak out, how to run the floor, and when to trust Raven to deliver a pass no one else can see. That understanding is going to give South Carolina an immediate edge.

Raven said it best herself when she heard Latson was in the portal: “I’d tell her, let’s run it back.” That’s more than just a catchphrase. It’s a warning to the rest of the NCAA. Because when two players like this come together again, backed by experience, chemistry, and a hunger to win, there’s no telling just how far they’ll go.

So… is it a threat or a mistake for Fulwiley?

The post “Domino Effect” Hits Dawn Staley’s South Carolina as National Analyst Explains Reason Behind MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Exit appeared first on EssentiallySports.