When it comes to basketball moves, there are names that immediately spring to mind – LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and more. However, it was South Carolina freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley who recently left a lasting impression on the legendary Magic Johnson with a remarkable layup during her first collegiate basketball game in Paris.
Fulwiley’s Spectacular Play
During the second quarter of the No. 6 Gamecocks’ season-opening game against No. 10 Notre Dame, Fulwiley wowed the crowd with a jaw-dropping move. She executed a coast-to-coast, behind-the-back layup that left everyone in awe. It’s a move that not only captivated the audience but also caught the attention of one of the basketball world’s greatest authorities, Magic Johnson himself.
“I just saw the best move in all of basketball including the pros like LeBron, Steph, KD, Victor, and Jokic,” Johnson wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Everyone must see the coast-to-coast, behind-the-back move by freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley from South Carolina. WOW!!”
Magic Johnson’s praise speaks volumes about the exceptional talent displayed by MiLaysia Fulwiley.
A Rising Star
MiLaysia Fulwiley’s journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. She was a six-year varsity player at W.J. Keenan High in Columbia, S.C., starting in seventh grade. She not only held her own but finished as the school’s all-time leading scorer, demonstrating her incredible prowess in the sport. Standing at 5-foot-10, Fulwiley made her collegiate debut with the Gamecocks, where she contributed 17 points to their season-opening victory.
Recognition from Peers
MiLaysia Fulwiley’s incredible feat also garnered recognition from NBA superstar Kevin Durant, who took to social media to laud her and another standout freshman, Hannah Hidalgo, who scored 31 points in her debut with Notre Dame. The basketball community quickly embraced Fulwiley’s extraordinary talent.
Social Media Frenzy
The buzz around MiLaysia Fulwiley’s stunning move and Magic Johnson’s praise spread like wildfire on social media. The SEC Network shared a video clip of her behind-the-back layup, with Johnson’s endorsement superimposed on top of it. The video was then reposted by the WNBA with a simple but emphatic caption, "Wowwwww." The attention was nothing short of remarkable for a player who had been on the collegiate court for less than 20 minutes.
In a world dominated by well-known basketball stars, MiLaysia Fulwiley managed to shine brightly and impress none other than Magic Johnson himself. Her remarkable move in Paris will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in her burgeoning career. Fulwiley’s journey has only just begun, and basketball enthusiasts will be eager to see what she has in store for the future.
Remember the name – MiLaysia Fulwiley, the young basketball prodigy who left Magic Johnson saying, "WOW!"
Magic Johnson’s Praise for MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Spectacular Move
How did MiLaysia Fulwiley impress Magic Johnson in Paris?
MiLaysia Fulwiley’s standout performance in Paris left basketball legends like Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant in awe, with a series of jaw-dropping plays that set her apart. Notably, she executed a behind-the-back up-and-under layup that caught the attention of the basketball world. In addition, her mesmerizing no-look pass to Te-Hina Paopao for a layup in the low post showcased her incredible court vision. Furthermore, Fulwiley’s impressive skills were not limited to offense; she also displayed her defensive prowess with a notable block against the 6-2 forward, Cassandre Propser.
MiLaysia Fulwiley’s dazzling moves on the court were the key to leaving Magic Johnson thoroughly impressed during the game in Paris.
Who is MiLaysia Fulwiley and why did Magic Johnson praise her?
MiLaysia Fulwiley hails from Columbia, South Carolina, where her journey as a basketball prodigy began. In her debut, she made a significant impact, contributing 17 points, 6 assists, and 6 steals as a valuable asset coming off the bench. However, what truly caught the attention of Magic Johnson was a remarkable move that he deemed "the best in all of basketball." This young guard’s extraordinary talent and her ability to leave a lasting impression on basketball legends like Magic Johnson have made her a rising star in the world of basketball.
MiLaysia Fulwiley’s outstanding debut and the breathtaking move she executed in her first game were the factors that led to Magic Johnson’s praise and recognition.
How did Magic get his nickname?
The moniker "Magic" became synonymous with Earvin Johnson during his high school days at Everett High School. A sports writer, captivated by the young prodigy’s exceptional talent, bestowed the name upon him after witnessing a phenomenal performance by the 15-year-old. In that game, Johnson achieved an astounding triple-double, amassing 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists. It’s worth noting that Johnson’s mother, a devout Christian, initially disapproved of the nickname, deeming it blasphemous.
Earvin Johnson earned his famous nickname "Magic" due to his remarkable skills and a standout triple-double performance during his high school years.
What was Magic Johnson known for?
Magic Johnson’s legacy in the world of basketball is defined by his meteoric rise to stardom. After a standout high school career at Lansing Everett High School and a distinguished All-America career at Michigan State University, he transitioned seamlessly into the NBA as an immediate superstar. Throughout his illustrious career, Johnson achieved numerous accolades, including being named a 12-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP, and a remarkable nine-time selection to the All-NBA First Team.
Magic Johnson was renowned for his extraordinary basketball talents, earning a multitude of accolades and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Who were Magic Johnson’s teammates?
Magic Johnson, throughout his illustrious career, had the privilege of playing alongside a remarkable array of talented teammates. Notably, he was a key part of the "Showtime" era Los Angeles Lakers, where he shared the court with iconic players such as:
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- James Worthy
- Byron Scott
- Michael Cooper
These exceptional teammates formed the nucleus of a team that achieved multiple NBA championships and left an enduring legacy in the world of basketball. Magic Johnson’s ability to collaborate with these remarkable athletes was a significant factor in his legendary career.
Did Magic Johnson play high school basketball?
Magic Johnson’s basketball journey began in Lansing, Michigan. As a young and talented player, he rose to prominence in high school. Johnson’s impact was profound, as he not only played high school basketball but also achieved an incredible feat. He led Lansing Everett High School to a state championship during his senior season. His skills and achievements during his high school years earned him the reputation of being one of the greatest high school basketball players to emerge from the state of Michigan.
Magic Johnson’s early success on the high school court laid the foundation for his legendary basketball career.
