"Generational player" MiLaysia Fulwiley gets real on growing her game at Dawn Staley's South Carolina: "Can't let last year define me"

South Carolina Gamecocks guard MiLaysia Fulwiley is in her sophomore year after winning the national title as a freshman. She is averaging 10.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game this season.

On Wednesday, Fulwiley sat down with The Greenville News and talked about how it feels to be called a generational player by her coach Dawn Staley. The comment was made by Staley following her performance to open the 2023-2024 season.

"I know about generational wealth, but I was like, 'Dang, I'm a generational player, I'm legitimate,'" Fulwiley said.

But, even with the morale-boosting nod, Fulwiley knows she has to stay grounded so that she doesn't lose focus on her actual goal.

"I can't let last year define me, I did a lot of fancy stuff but I want to be more than just a fancy player," Fulwiley added.

Fulwiley averaged more points per game in last year's championship run, at 11.7. With goals to raise her stats and stock further while attempting to repeat as champs, the 5-foot-10 star will need to step up her game.

Fulwiley and the rest of the Gamecocks return on Sunday against the Wofford Terriers at the Colonial Life Arena in South Carolina.

Steph Curry sees a bit of himself in MiLaysia Fulwiley

Four-time NBA champion Steph Curry saw videos of MiLaysia Fulwiley's gameplay and finds himself in the South Carolina standout.

"Very similar to how I play, there’s a flair for the dramatic, a creativity that she always finds a way to express. She has a killer instinct," Curry said.

"Her athleticism, her style and creativity just jumped off the screen," Curry added. "She had that flashy kind of vibe."

With the high praise given by perhaps the greatest shooter of all time, it can hopefully boost Fulwiley's confidence this year and start surpassing pre-season expectations. Her team has got off to a good start but if she wants a bigger role like a break in starting five, her production needs to be up.