Just one game into her college career, MiLaysia Fulwiley — freshman point guard for the University of South Carolina women's basketball team — is already being praised by one of the greatest point guards of all time.
During South Carolina's dominant, 100-71 win Monday over Notre Dame in the NCAA's first-ever women's game in Paris, France, Fulwiley performed a miraculous series of world-class moves while dribbling past Notre Dame's defense and laying the ball up in spectacular flip-shot fashion.
"THE EIFFEL TOWER IS SHAKING"!! OH MY GOODNESS ? pic.twitter.com/mpxRrCrS7y
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) November 6, 2023
Fulwiley's play made waves around social media as soon as she made it. It even caught the attention of Magic Johnson — the five-time NBA champion, three-time MVP, and Hall of Fame point guard — who posted this reaction to the play on X.
I?m watching the women?s basketball game between South Carolina and Notre Dame right now and I just saw the best move in all of basketball including the pros like LeBron, Steph, KD, Victor, and Jokic. Everyone must see the coast-to-coast, behind-the-back move by freshman guard?
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 6, 2023
"I'm watching the women's basketball game between South Carolina and Notre Dame right now and I just saw the best move in all of basketball including the pros like LeBron, Steph, KD, Victor, and Jokic. Everyone must see the coast-to-coast, behind-the-back move by freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley from South Carolina. WOW!!"
Johnson is right to be hyped about South Carolina's freshman guard. One quarter after her first insane play, Fulwiley also made a no-look, Magic-esque assist to a teammate, showing how well-rounded and polished her game is.
We'll leave this right here ? pic.twitter.com/rufrNc6jS6
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) November 6, 2023
Fulwiley's Gamecock debut had long been in the making, as Dawn Staley — South Carolina's legendary head coach — started recruiting her when Fulwiley was still in seventh grade. Clearly, the Gamecock coach's belief in Fulwiley's ability was accurate.
It's a good thing that Fulwiley is a Gamecock. Staley's South Carolina squad lost seven seniors from last season — including WNBA No. 1 overall draft pick Aliyah Boston — who all helped the Gamecocks reach three straight Final Fours and capture the 2022 national title.
When ESPN asked about her team this season, Staley said, "It was really a blank canvas. But the chemistry that they're building is very special."
The freshman isn't surprised her masterful performance caught the world's attention. "That move made everybody notice," said Fulwiley, who also had six assists and six steals in the Paris game. "I hope they keep watching."
We will be.
