It’s not often you see the leading scorer in all of women’s college basketball enter the transfer portal. It’s even more uncommon to see a player of that caliber team up with one of the winningest programs in the last decade.
That’s what the world got when Ta’Niya Latson transferred from Florida State to South Carolina. Now the senior guard is playing her role to perfection in the Gamecocks’ quest for national championship number four.
After losing the National Championship last year to UConn, 82-59, the South Carolina reloaded in a major way. Latson added to an already stacked Gamecocks squad and her impact has been undeniable thus far.
For Latson, she had everything at FSU. She was the leader of the team, one of the most explosive guards in the country, and even garnered national recognition. Her move to South Carolina shocked many but in totality it makes complete sense.
After giving her all to a program that gave her an opportunity out of high-school, she deserved a chance to finish college by competing for a national championship.
At South Carolina, Latson is no longer asked to carry the offensive load like she has in the past. Instead of having to score 25+ points per game to give her team a chance to win games, she serves as a versatile guard who can create offense, defend, and provide scoring when needed.
Her averages have dipped as she’s been asked to take on a new role. Going from averaging 25 points per game last year to now 14 would make any fan assume a player has regressed. In Latson’s case she’s gotten better and under head coach Dawn Staley, she’s thrived.
Forgoing the WNBA draft and coming back to compete for a championship has given her game new purpose and meaning. She’s also received some cool perks to taking her talents to Columbia as well.
Senior guard Raven Johnson has also been fortunate enough to have an amazing collegiate career but this season might be a little more special for her. Latson and Johnson played high-school basketball together at West Lake High School in Atlanta, Georgia.
LET’S RUN IT BACK TWIN!!!! @NiyaLatson ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/epZ8BGsURJ
— R A V E N (@HollywoodRaven) April 8, 2025
They were very successful together winning multiple state championships and this season they’ve proved their friendship is thriving on and off the court.
After a 31 win campaign, the Gamecocks have entered the tournament as a #1 seed for the sixth consecutive season. Sacramento Regional 4 will have one of the best teams in recent history and this is the opportunity that Latson transferred for.
Her dream of contributing to a championship team is no longer just a dream but reality now. The Gamecocks will face No. 16 Southern in the First Round to open up their NCAA Tournament campaign.
The numbers may not look the same as they did in Tallahassee, but the mission is different now. At South Carolina, Ta’Niya Latson isn’t chasing stats. She’s chasing banners.
If the Gamecocks cut down the nets again, her sacrifice will have been worth every point she didn’t score.
