"Need someone that's going to say no when the time is right": MiLaysia Fulwiley's mother unveils why she chose Dawn Staley's South Carolina

Finding the right team involves a lot of difficult decision-making. This was the case for MiLaysia Fulwiley and her family before she chose Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Fulwiley's mother, Phea Mixon, reflected on the recruiting process surrounding her daughter in an article published by The Greenville News on Monday.

Fulwiley received numerous offers to play at various colleges, but the one from Staley and the Gamecocks carried more weight due to the head coach’s ability to develop players both on and off the court at a high level.

"You need someone that's going to say no when the time is right. Transitioning to college and the WNBA, you have to be able to change and sacrifice some things ... you need someone that's going to hold you accountable," Mixon was quoted as saying.

MiLaysia Fulwiley gets praise from NBA star Steph Curry

MiLaysia Fulwiley signed a deal with Curry Brand in March, becoming the first college athlete to do so. With Stephen Curry involved, praise from the Golden State Warriors superstar followed.

"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.

"She knows she’s good but there’s humility too. She knows she has a lot more to do and can get a lot better. I like that combination. There’s things you can’t teach with her, her ball handling, speed, athleticism, the way she sees the game, she's fearless.”

Fulwiley has showcased herself as a spark plug off the bench for the South Carolina Gamecocks this season. She is averaging 10 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a steal on 41% shooting from the field and 24.3% from beyond the arc.

Her efforts have helped the Gamecocks win 11 of their first 12 games. The team is scoring 80.5 ppg on 46.5% shooting, including 35.2% from 3-point range, and is winning by an average margin of 25.3 points.

One more game is on MiLaysia Fulwiley and No. 2 South Carolina’s radar for 2024. The Gamecocks will close out the year with a matchup against Wofford at the Colonial Life Arena on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.