A New Era Begins: A’ja Wilson Welcomes MiLaysia Fulwiley into Gamecocks Hall of Fame
MiLaysia Fulwiley will be officially welcomed as a future Gamecocks Hall of Fame inductee, it will be a special ceremony at Colonial Life Arena — and none other than A’ja Wilson will be there to do the honors.
The sold-out crowd erupted as Wilson, widely considered the greatest Gamecock of all time and a WNBA superstar with the Las Vegas Aces, embraced Fulwiley at center court. The gesture was more than symbolic — it was a passing of the torch.
“Tonight, we celebrate not just what MiLaysia has done, but what she will do,” Wilson told the crowd. “She’s already etched her name into history, but trust me — she’s just getting started.”
Fulwiley, 20, helped lead the Gamecocks to the 2024 NCAA Championship and earned SEC Tournament MVP, SEC Sixth Player of the Year, and a spot on the All-Freshman Team. Her electrifying style of play, vision, and flair have made her a fan favorite and a national sensation. Her signature NIL deal with Steph Curry’s Curry Brand has also cemented her status as a rising star.
“To have A’ja here, someone I’ve looked up to my whole life, means everything,” Fulwiley said, holding back tears. “This is more than basketball. This is family.”
The ceremony was part of South Carolina’s annual “Legends & Legacy” night, honoring the program’s greatest players. But this year felt different — a sense that the future of the program is just as bright as its storied past.
With Wilson and head coach Dawn Staley flanking her, Fulwiley stood at midcourt under a spotlight as a banner with her name and No. 12 was unveiled — a preview of what many believe will one day hang in the rafters permanently.
If this night was any indication, MiLaysia Fulwiley is well on her way to becoming the next legend of Gamecock basketball.
