Ta’Niya Latson: The Star Transfer Powering South Carolina’s Championship Run
Following a heartbreaking loss to UConn in the 2025 national championship game, South Carolina women’s basketball strategically utilized the transfer portal to bolster its roster. The Gamecocks landed a major prize in Ta’Niya Latson, a nationally recognized scoring sensation who spent her first three collegiate years at Florida State. Now, as a senior guard, Latson is proving instrumental in South Carolina’s quest for a sixth consecutive Final Four appearance.
The No. 1 seed Gamecocks (35-3) are set for a highly anticipated rematch against the No. 1 overall seed UConn (38-0) in the semifinals at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 3rd (7 p.m. ET, ESPN). Here’s a closer look at the player who’s making a significant difference for South Carolina: Ta’Niya Latson.
Why South Carolina?
Latson’s decision to transfer to South Carolina wasn’t solely about finding a winning program; it was about holistic development. She sought an environment where she could refine her all-around game, specifically focusing on improving her passing and defensive skills. Crucially, she wanted to play in a system that would prepare her for the demands of the WNBA.
The allure of playing for Coach Dawn Staley and a program with a proven track record of success – Staley boasts three national championships – was also a major factor. During her time at Florida State, Latson experienced a lack of team accolades, never securing an ACC regular season or tournament title. The Seminoles only advanced past the first round of the NCAA Tournament once, failing to reach the second weekend.
A Familiar Face
Ta’Niya Latson isn’t just a new addition to the Gamecocks; she has a pre-existing connection with a key teammate. She and Raven Johnson were high school teammates at Westlake High School in Atlanta, where they won three state championships together. Their synergy extended to the AAU level, playing alongside each other for the Finest Basketball Club, which also featured future South Carolina stars Joyce Edwards and Ashlyn Watkins.
Latson’s Impact on the Court
In her first season with the Gamecocks, Latson is averaging 14.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals in 28 minutes per game. She’s shooting 32.9% from beyond the arc and a career-best 49.6% from the field, earning her a spot on the All-SEC second team.
Throughout her collegiate career, Latson has consistently demonstrated her scoring prowess. She boasts a career average of 20.4 points per game on 45.6% shooting, and last season, she led the nation with an impressive 25.2 points per game. Prior to her transfer, she ranked among the nation’s top 15 scorers in each of her first two seasons, averaging over 20 points in all three years at Florida State.
Accolades and Recognition
Before joining South Carolina, Ta’Niya Latson accumulated a wealth of accolades, including:
- First-team All-ACC (2023-25)
- Second-team All-American by the AP (2025)
- All-America honorable mention by the AP (2023-24) and WBCA (2023-25)
- National Freshman of the Year by the WBCA and USBWA (2023)
WNBA Prospects
Latson’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by WNBA scouts. Recent mock drafts project her as a potential first-round pick. USA Today projects her to be selected No. 6 by the Toronto Tempo, while The Athletic forecasts her going to the Connecticut Sun at No. 15. ESPN’s February mock draft predicts she’ll be chosen No. 13 by the Atlanta Dream. Her performance in the Final Four could significantly impact her draft stock.
This article was originally published by USA Today.
