South Carolina’s recent NCAA Tournament victory over Indiana, sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley logged just 10 minutes on the court, a notable decrease from her season average of 19.3 minutes per game. This reduction in playing time raised questions, especially considering Fulwiley’s impactful performances throughout the season.
Head coach Dawn Staley addressed this decision, attributing it to Fulwiley’s health status. According to reports, Fulwiley was visibly struggling to catch her breath on the bench. Although she insisted she felt fine, she did mention dealing with a chest cold that was bothering her.
Despite her limited minutes, Fulwiley managed to contribute three points on 1-of-4 shooting, along with two steals, a block, a rebound, and an assist. Her reduced presence on the court was a strategic move by Staley to ensure the team’s overall health and readiness for upcoming challenges in the tournament.
Fulwiley has been a dynamic force for the Gamecocks this season, known for her quickness and assertiveness on the court. Coach Staley has previously praised her, noting that Fulwiley possesses a level of boldness in her play that even surpasses Staley’s own during her playing days.
As South Carolina advances to the Sweet 16, the team will benefit from a few days of rest before their next matchup. This break provides Fulwiley with an opportunity to recover fully from her chest cold, aiming to return to her usual form and contribute significantly to the Gamecocks’ pursuit of another national championship.
Coach Staley’s management of player health and strategic decisions underscores her commitment to the team’s long-term success in the tournament. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Fulwiley and the Gamecocks perform in the upcoming rounds, with hopes that the sophomore guard will be back at full strength to showcase her exceptional talent on the national stage.
