"Is Fulwiley gonna play more than 3 minutes?": College hoops fans react to Dawn Staley’s South Carolina's no lineup changes before Iowa State game

College basketball fans are abuzz on social media as South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley seems unlikely to make any changes to her starting lineup ahead of Thursday’s game against Iowa State. The matchup, part of the Fort Myers Tipoff, will take place on Thanksgiving Day.

Staley, known for her consistency in sticking with her starters, is expected to field the same lineup: Chloe Kitts, Raven Johnson, Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall and Sania Feagin.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans, particularly in light of the Gamecocks’ 43-game win streak being snapped by the now top-ranked UCLA Bruins on Sunday.

Fans have taken to social media to express their frustrations, with many questioning the limited playing time given to standout guard MiLaysia Fulwiley. Against UCLA, Fulwiley played just three minutes, attempted two shots and scored no points, leaving fans puzzled and disappointed.

On X (Twitter), users voiced their concerns, with some even suggesting that Fulwiley should consider transferring schools if her playing time doesn’t increase.

“Is Fulwiley gonna play more than 3 minutes????,” wondered yalldntknome202.

"You gotta let fulwiley play it's kinda crazy to not letting her play coach fr," said @ShaySims393214.

“They need to play Fulwiley more. Makes no sense,” tweeted @fred58440313.

Others criticized Dawn Staley’s management of the situation:

"Fulwiley must have cussed out Dawn on the bench. When you have a thoroughbred, you have to let that horse run. Having your most talented player play 3 minutes may cause her to be disgruntled. I know Lay wishes she could rock out like JuJu or Hidalgo. I trust Dawn, though,” said @CoachACooley.

“Dawn let some of those starters play bad and left them in the game but barely played Fulwiley after a few mistakes. They’re talking about a spark off the bench—what spark if they’re already down double digits before she comes in?,” asked @Boujee__boo.

“This one is squarely on Dawn. Take all the emotion out of the situation and put Raven on the bench... appears she can do no wrong. Horrible play for six games straight now, and your spark plug Fulwiley makes a couple of mistakes and is benched all game," remarked @RandyPoole1.

Fulwiley, a sophomore, has had similar stats to her freshman season, averaging 10.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 17 minutes per game. She’s shooting 44.1% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range.

However, her underwhelming performance against UCLA and limited minutes have intensified debates among fans about her role on the team and Dawn Staley’s rotation handling.

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All is good with MiLaysia Fulwiley: Coach Dawn Staley

Despite the buzz on social media suggesting that sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley should consider transferring, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley reassured reporters on Wednesday that there’s no issue between her and Fulwiley.

“It’s her process,” Staley said after practice.

“Everybody has a process. And everybody wants to say transfer, but we trust over here. That’s with everybody. MiLaysia and I are good. Other people ask about issues and what’s going on here, but our house is tight.”

Dawn Staley previously acknowledged that coaching Fulwiley presents challenges. In the Gamecocks’ dominant 92-60 win over Coppin State, Fulwiley showcased her potential with an impressive 23-point performance, shooting 9-of-13 from the field, including four 3-pointers, in 25 minutes of play.

"It's a battle with MiLaysia. She understands. She really understands," Staley said, as quoted by WACH Fox reporter Amanda Poole.

Dawn Staley also highlighted Fulwiley's talent, calling her "a dynamic guard" and praising her disciplined play during the game.

“For the most part, she was as lean as lean can be, playing great. Sometimes, though, she can’t bite the bullet. But if she can play as lean as she played today, I can handle some of the stuff she tries to do,” Staley added.

The Gamecocks face a tough early-season schedule, with four ranked opponents in their first 10 games. Up next is a matchup against the Iowa State Cyclones, led by standout center Audi Crooks, who's averaging 21.7 points per game, tied for 15th in the nation.