BREAKING: South Carolina Star Joyce Edwards SHOCKS World, Commits to LSU Women’s Basketball—3 UNKNOWN Reasons Behind Stunning Exit!
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of women’s college basketball, Joyce Edwards, the five-star forward from South Carolina and one of the most highly touted recruits in the nation, has stunned fans and analysts alike by committing to LSU over her home-state powerhouse, the University of South Carolina. Edwards, a 6’3” phenom known for her versatility, athleticism, and dominant play on both ends of the floor, was widely expected to follow in the footsteps of Gamecock legends like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston. Instead, she has chosen to take her talents to Baton Rouge, joining Kim Mulkey’s rapidly ascending LSU program.
The decision has left many scrambling for answers. Why would Edwards, a Camden, South Carolina native, spurn Dawn Staley’s dynasty—a program that has won two national championships in the last seven years—for an LSU squad still building its identity under Mulkey? While the surface-level reasoning may point to LSU’s recent national title win in 2023 and their aggressive recruiting approach, sources close to the situation reveal three lesser-known factors that played a pivotal role in Edwards’ stunning exit from the expected path.
**1. The Kim Mulkey Factor: A Coach Who Stops at Nothing to Win**
Kim Mulkey isn’t just a Hall of Fame coach—she’s a force of nature. Since arriving at LSU in 2021, Mulkey has transformed the Tigers from a middling SEC program into a national contender, culminating in a championship in just her second season. But beyond her accolades, Mulkey’s relentless pursuit of elite talent and her ability to connect with players on a personal level set her apart.
Edwards, a player with WNBA aspirations, was reportedly drawn to Mulkey’s track record of developing pros. Mulkey’s intensity and no-nonsense approach resonated with Edwards, who has always been known for her fierce competitiveness. Additionally, whispers in recruiting circles suggest that Mulkey made Edwards a central piece of her long-term vision, promising not just minutes but a system tailored to amplify her strengths as a stretch forward who can defend multiple positions. At South Carolina, Edwards would have been another star in a constellation of talent. At LSU, she may very well be *the* star.
**2. The NIL Landscape: LSU’s Aggressive Approach to Player Branding**
While NCAA rules prevent direct pay-for-play arrangements, there’s no denying that Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities have become a major factor in recruiting battles. LSU has been at the forefront of this new era, with star players like Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson securing lucrative deals. Edwards, a marketable athlete with a strong social media presence and a polished off-court demeanor, was undoubtedly aware of the financial potential that comes with being a standout player in Baton Rouge.
Sources indicate that LSU’s collective, The Bayou Traditions, presented Edwards with a comprehensive NIL package that not only included financial incentives but also long-term branding strategies to elevate her profile beyond college. South Carolina, while competitive in the NIL space, couldn’t match the sheer aggressiveness of LSU’s pitch. In an era where athletes are increasingly aware of their worth, this may have been the tipping point.
**3. The Quest for a New Challenge: Escaping the Shadow of South Carolina’s Legacy**
For all its success, South Carolina’s program carries an unspoken pressure: the weight of expectation. Dawn Staley has built a machine in Columbia, and while that attracts elite talent, it also means players are expected to conform to a well-established system. Edwards, a player with a unique skill set that blends perimeter shooting with post dominance, may have felt that her individuality would be somewhat stifled in South Carolina’s more rigid, defense-first structure.
LSU, by contrast, offers a blank canvas. Mulkey’s system is adaptable, often molding itself around her best players rather than forcing them into predefined roles. Edwards’ ability to handle the ball, shoot from outside, and defend the rim makes her a perfect fit for Mulkey’s fast-paced, positionless style. The chance to be a trailblazer—to help build something new rather than maintain something already great—clearly appealed to Edwards’ ambition.
**The Fallout: What This Means for Both Programs**
For LSU, landing Edwards is a statement. It signals that Mulkey isn’t content with one title—she’s building a sustained powerhouse to rival South Carolina and UConn. Edwards joins an already stacked 2024 class, ensuring the Tigers will remain in the national title conversation for years to come.
For South Carolina, the loss is undeniably significant. While Staley’s program will reload, missing out on a generational in-state talent hurts. The Gamecocks will now shift their focus to other targets, but Edwards’ decision serves as a wake-up call: the battle for supremacy in women’s basketball is fiercer than ever, and LSU is coming for the throne.
As for Joyce Edwards, her bold choice cements her as a player unafraid of pressure. She could have taken the safe route. Instead, she’s betting on herself—and on Kim Mulkey’s ability to take her game to heights even South Carolina couldn’t promise. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but one thing is certain: the women’s basketball world will be watching.
