Dawn Staley Breaks Silence on Benching MiLaysia Fulwiley During South Carolina’s Dominant Victory Over Indiana in NCAA Tournament

In a move that left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley made the bold decision to sit rising star freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley for a significant portion of the team’s high-stakes NCAA Tournament matchup against the Indiana Hoosiers.

The No. 1 seed Gamecocks went on to win convincingly, yet the absence of Fulwiley on the floor for much of the game sparked questions and speculation across the college basketball world.

Now, for the first time since the win, Staley has spoken candidly about her decision—a decision that may have strategic implications for South Carolina’s future in the tournament and Fulwiley’s role moving forward.

The Game That Sparked Questions

The South Carolina Gamecocks entered their NCAA Tournament matchup against Indiana with immense momentum and an undefeated season on the line.

As expected, they dominated most of the game, ultimately securing a double-digit win that booked their ticket to the next round.

However, the narrative surrounding the victory quickly shifted from the scoreline to the curious absence of one of the team’s most dynamic players: MiLaysia Fulwiley.

The freshman guard, known for her electric scoring ability and highlight-reel handles, played limited minutes, with fans noticing her prolonged stay on the bench during both halves.

Social media lit up with theories, and commentators debated whether it was due to injury, matchup preferences, or internal disciplinary action.

But according to Coach Dawn Staley, the explanation is much simpler—and deeply rooted in the team’s strategy and culture.

Dawn Staley Speaks Out: It Was About Flow and Matchups

“We were trying to find the right flow,” Staley explained during the postgame press conference.

“We have a lot of depth, and sometimes it’s just about riding the group that’s giving you what you need in that moment.”

For Staley, who is widely regarded as one of the sharpest minds in women’s college basketball, every decision is about execution and efficiency—not popularity.

While Fulwiley’s talent is undeniable, Staley emphasized that in tournament play, each moment requires the right personnel, and that sometimes means making tough calls.

“MiLaysia is one of the most gifted players I’ve coached,” Staley added. “But every game has its own rhythm.

We needed defensive consistency and veteran calm in that stretch, and our group on the floor gave us that.”

Fulwiley’s Spark—and Growing Pains

MiLaysia Fulwiley has been nothing short of a sensation for South Carolina this season.

The freshman phenom burst onto the scene with flashy crossovers, fearless drives, and an uncanny ability to create scoring opportunities.

She’s already developed a reputation for highlight-worthy moments and has drawn comparisons to legends of the game for her creative play.

However, Fulwiley is still adapting to the collegiate level’s defensive demands and complex playbooks.

As is often the case with freshmen, balancing talent with tactical discipline can be a learning curve.

Coach Staley didn’t shy away from addressing that reality.

“She’s growing. She’s learning. This is a tough stage, and we’re going to need her in a big way,” said Staley. “But today, we went with a group that was dialed in defensively, that was communicating, and that just had it clicking.”

The Players Who Stepped Up

In Fulwiley’s absence, several Gamecocks rose to the occasion.

Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao took charge in the backcourt, setting the tone with her poise and experience.

Raven Johnson also played a critical role, delivering timely defense and creating space for the offense to operate smoothly.

Staley praised her guards for staying locked in and following the game plan.

“You saw Raven out there orchestrating, Te-Hina hitting big shots, and Kamilla (Cardoso) anchoring the paint,” Staley noted.

“We had control, and when you’ve got that kind of synergy, you trust it.”

Fans React: Confusion, Concern, and Support

Social media erupted with reactions during and after the game.

Some fans voiced confusion over Fulwiley’s minutes, with tweets ranging from support to worry.

The hashtag #FreeMiLaysia even trended briefly among South Carolina fans hoping to see their freshman star take over the game.

“I drove three hours to see Fulwiley cook,” one fan tweeted. “Hope she’s okay and that this is just a tactical move by Coach Staley.”

Others, however, expressed faith in the process, pointing out that Staley’s track record should be trusted.

“Dawn Staley knows what she’s doing. If Fulwiley’s sitting, it’s for a reason,” wrote another fan. “This team is chasing a title.”

What This Means for South Carolina’s Championship Hopes

The decision to sit MiLaysia Fulwiley raises key questions about South Carolina’s rotation and whether Staley will continue to shorten the bench as the stakes grow higher.

With the Gamecocks eyeing another Final Four and potentially a national championship, balancing star potential with system execution will be a recurring theme.

Staley made it clear that Fulwiley’s time will come—and likely soon.

“This is just one game,” Staley emphasized. “MiLaysia will have her moments. She’s already had them this year. We’ll need her to have more.”

South Carolina fans have every reason to believe that Fulwiley will bounce back in the next round.

In fact, Staley hinted at the freshman guard’s likely return to prominence in the upcoming matchup.

“We talked after the game,” Staley said. “She’s locked in. She’s mature beyond her years, and she’s ready to contribute whenever her number is called.”

The Bigger Picture: Trusting the Process

What’s often forgotten in the social media age is that team dynamics are fluid, especially during high-pressure tournament games.

Coaches must make split-second decisions that may not align with public sentiment.

Dawn Staley has built a championship-caliber program by doing exactly that—trusting her instincts and her players.

Fulwiley’s brief benching isn’t a sign of punishment or discontent.

It’s part of the larger strategy that Staley has always preached: play the game in front of you, adapt to what it requires, and win as a team.

Teammates Rally Around Fulwiley

Inside the locker room, there’s no drama—only unity. Senior teammates and fellow guards made it clear that Fulwiley remains a central part of the team’s identity.

“MiLaysia is a baller,” Paopao said. “She’s always ready, always supporting us, and when it’s her turn, she’ll shine.

That’s what makes our team special—we support each other no matter what.”

Raven Johnson echoed those sentiments.

“We’re deep. Everybody’s got a role, and sometimes that role changes from game to game. MiLaysia’s energy is always there, even if she’s not on the court.”