“About to have me cryin ova here”: South Carolina fans react as MiLaysia Fulwiley shares heartfelt experience of playing for the Gamecocks

From the correct pronunciation of her name and her decision to commit to South Carolina to the impact Dawn Staley has had on her young career, MiLaysia Fulwiley opened up in the Gamecocks' Instagram post on Monday. The video, titled "Home Grown," captures her ups and downs in becoming one of the most skilled played in Division I women's basketball.

The video also gave a glimpse of the court the sophomore player grew up hooping on, with Fulwiley recounting her childhood memories.

Fans stormed the comments section to shower the South Carolina native with admiration.

"She’s so special! And hearing her story from her POV makes her even cooler in my eyes," a fan wrote.

"Bout to have me cryin ova here..keep doin you👏👏," another fan commented.

"Omg, I wasn’t expecting to be on here crying! My goodness Lay we are all so proud of you! Keep doing your thing! ❤️," another fan wrote.

More fans joined to praise MiLaysia Fulwiley for her perseverance and strength.

"Keep doing what you do @laywitdabutter SC is proud of you," a fan commented.

"Lay 🙏🏾 this is so authentic definitely destined to be one of the greatest to play in the women’s game," another fan wrote.

"No wonder why she runs so fast. She does it for her Grandma🥹😭❤️‍🩹🔥🤌🏽," another fan commented.

Fans react to South Carolina's post on Fulwiley's journey

Despite elite comparisons, MiLaysia Fulwiley will have to wait to enter the WNBA

MiLaysia Fulwiley's natural scoring touch, ability to anchor a defense and athleticism have drawn comparisons to players like Brittney Sykes and Tiffany Hayes.

Hunter Cruse, a beat writer for the Atlanta Dream and The Next Hoops, said that the guard has a higher ceiling than players like Chennedy Carter, Jewell Loyd and other notable WNBA players. Cruse also compared her ability to react to defenses to Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant.

However, MiLaysia Fulwiley will have to wait until 2027 to mount her WNBA debut. The current draft rules demand players to be at least 22 years old, whereas Fulwiley is 19. She will turn 20 on April 21.

Across her first 13 games of the season, Fulwiley is averaging 10.1 points and 2.5 rebounds on 41.6% shooting while playing under 18 minutes per game.