Ta’Niya Latson commits to South Carolina through the transfer portal, joining Dawn Staley’s powerhouse program to bolster the Gamecocks’ backcourt.
Dawn Staley’s powerhouse women’s basketball program landed a blockbuster addition with the commitment of Ta’Niya Latson, one of the most electrifying guards in college basketball. Latson, a former Florida State standout and 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year, brings instant offense, elite playmaking, and battle-tested experience to Columbia via the transfer portal.
Her arrival sends shockwaves through the college basketball landscape—and it might be the piece that solidifies South Carolina’s quest for continued dominance in the post-Aliyah Boston era.
A Game-Changing Addition
Ta’Niya Latson isn’t just a good player—she’s a game-changer. As a freshman at Florida State, she led the ACC in scoring with 21.3 points per game, shooting 45.5% from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc. Her scoring prowess made her a nightmare for opposing defenses, capable of creating her own shot and finishing at the rim with dazzling creativity.
Despite battling injuries during the latter part of her freshman year, Latson returned to the court in 2023-24 and reminded everyone why she was one of the nation’s most talked-about recruits coming out of high school.
Now, she brings that elite scoring ability to a South Carolina squad already stacked with talent.
Dawn Staley’s Reload, Not Rebuild
After capturing the national title in 2024, Dawn Staley faced the kind of “problem” every championship coach welcomes: replacing graduated stars with the next wave of elite talent. With Raven Johnson, Bree Hall, and Chloe Kitts forming the core of the Gamecocks’ returners, Staley had a strong foundation. But the addition of Ta’Niya Latson shows that South Carolina isn’t content to just stay good—they want to stay elite.
Staley has built her reputation on player development, unselfish basketball, and relentless defense. But make no mistake: she also knows the value of a bucket-getter. Latson gives South Carolina a pure scorer who can deliver in isolation, push the pace in transition, and take over games late in the fourth quarter.
“She’s the kind of guard who can change the temperature of a game,” one ACC assistant said. “Adding her to that roster? That’s a nightmare for everyone else.”
How Latson Fits in South Carolina’s Rotation
There’s no shortage of talent in Columbia.
Incoming freshmen like Joyce Edwards and Maddy McDaniel bring athleticism and energy. Veteran leadership from players like Kamilla Cardoso (if she returns) and rising stars such as MiLaysia Fulwiley make South Carolina one of the deepest teams in the country.
So where does Latson fit in?
Expect her to slot into a starting backcourt role alongside Raven Johnson. While Johnson handles the primary playmaking duties, Latson can operate as a high-volume scorer—attacking off the dribble, running pick-and-roll sets, and spacing the floor with her three-point shooting. Her presence will also free up Fulwiley to play a more dynamic combo role, creating mismatches and exploiting weaker defenders.
This level of perimeter versatility is exactly what Staley has been assembling: a roster with interchangeable guards who can defend, shoot, and run the offense.
Reactions Across the College Basketball Landscape
Latson’s decision to transfer to South Carolina sent fans into a frenzy.
South Carolina supporters immediately took to social media to celebrate, praising the program’s recruiting acumen and expressing excitement about next season. Rival fans, particularly from ACC and SEC schools, voiced frustration, lamenting the continued power consolidation in Columbia.
Analysts and insiders echoed similar sentiments.
“South Carolina just added another All-American caliber talent,” ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo noted. “Ta’Niya Latson is a difference-maker on both ends, and putting her with Dawn Staley—it’s unfair in the best way.”
This move also underscores a broader trend in the women’s game: top-tier players are increasingly willing to transfer in pursuit of championships and elite coaching. Just as the men’s game has seen a surge in portal activity, the women’s game is evolving, and South Carolina is setting the pace.
What This Means for the SEC
With LSU, Tennessee, and Ole Miss all loading up through recruiting and the portal, the SEC is once again shaping up to be the most competitive conference in women’s basketball.
But South Carolina remains the standard.
Adding Ta’Niya Latson gives the Gamecocks arguably the most dangerous backcourt in the league. Her ability to score at all three levels forces defenses to stretch out, opening up driving lanes for Johnson and Fulwiley and creating spacing for Kitts and Edwards in the paint.
And let’s not forget: Staley’s teams are built on defense first. Latson, at 5’8”, isn’t just a scorer—she’s a gritty defender with quick feet and active hands. Her buy-in on that end of the floor will only accelerate her impact.
The Dawn Staley Effect
When players commit to South Carolina, they’re not just joining a basketball program—they’re buying into a culture.
That culture, built by Staley, emphasizes unity, accountability, and excellence. It’s why so many elite recruits keep coming. It’s why veterans stay. And it’s why a player like Ta’Niya Latson, with options everywhere, chose Columbia.
“Coach Staley has a legacy. She wins, she develops, and she cares,” Latson said in her commitment announcement. “I want to be a part of that.”
It’s a powerful statement, and one that speaks to Staley’s unique ability to attract and retain talent in a changing era of college basketball.
Looking Ahead: Title Defense Begins
With Latson now in the fold, the question isn’t whether South Carolina will be good next season—it’s whether anyone can stop them.
The Gamecocks will return a deep, experienced, and battle-tested roster. They’ll add one of the nation’s most explosive guards. And they’ll be led by one of the best coaches in the history of the sport.
