South Carolina Secures Nation’s Top Scorer Ta’Niya Latson Following Title Game Heartbreak

South Carolina’s women’s basketball team has made a significant move by adding Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer, for her final college season. This transition comes after a disappointing championship game where head coach Dawn Staley faced tough questions about her team’s scoring options.

Latson shone at Florida State, averaging 25.2 points per game as a junior and helping her team secure its first NCAA Tournament win since 2019. Over her three years there, she averaged 22.5 points and 3.9 assists in about 30 minutes of play. Though she had the choice to enter the 2025 WNBA Draft, she opted to enter the transfer portal, eventually choosing South Carolina. With Te-Hina Paopao graduating, Latson is expected to fill the crucial shooting guard position.

Bringing in Latson could be a game-changer for the Gamecocks, adding the high-scoring talent they need. Nonetheless, adapting to a new team dynamic might pose challenges. She had the highest usage rate in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) over the last three years, meaning she was heavily relied upon for offense at Florida State. In contrast, South Carolina has more depth and emphasizes a balanced lineup, with players like MiLaysia Fulwiley, who also contributed significantly last season.

The backcourt will be crowded with several returning players, including Raven Johnson, Fulwiley, and Tessa Johnson. Latson’s decision to join South Carolina suggests she’s ready to compete for a championship and reunite with Johnson, a teammate from high school, where they won three state titles together.

Staley expressed optimism about next season, noting the promise of integrating new players alongside returning talent. In her quest for a strong lineup, landing a player like Latson could provide the spark needed to push the Gamecocks back into contention. With her incredible scoring ability, she might just be the missing piece they need.

For further insights on the impact of player transfers in college basketball, you can check out the research from the NCAA, which details how transfers affect team dynamics and performance.

This move by South Carolina reflects a growing trend in women’s college basketball, where teams strategically utilize the transfer portal to bolster their squads and adapt to competitive pressures. As the landscape of college athletics evolves, keeping an eye on these shifts will be crucial for understanding the future of the game.



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Dawn Staley, Gamecocks, South Carolina, Florida State, Latson, Florida State Seminoles