In a significant move that has sent ripples through the women’s college basketball landscape, Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer from Florida State University, has committed to the University of South Carolina for the upcoming 2025–26 season. This transfer not only bolsters the Gamecocks’ roster but also reunites Latson with her former high school teammate, Raven Johnson, setting the stage for a formidable backcourt duo.Swish Appeal+1Swish Appeal+1SBNation.com
Latson’s journey to collegiate stardom began in high school, where she showcased her exceptional talent across multiple institutions. She attended Miami Country Day in Miami, Florida; Charles W. Flanagan in Pembroke Pines, Florida; Westlake in Atlanta, Georgia; and finally, American Heritage in Plantation, Florida. At American Heritage, Latson led her team to a Class 5A state title, earning accolades such as Florida’s Miss Basketball, Gatorade Player of the Year, and Class 5A Player of the Year. Her stellar performance garnered national attention, culminating in her selection as a McDonald’s All-American. Rated a five-star recruit by ESPN, Latson chose Florida State over offers from powerhouse programs including Baylor, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, NC State, Texas, and Virginia Tech. Wikipedia
Upon joining Florida State in the 2022–23 season, Latson made an immediate impact. She debuted with a remarkable 28-point, nine-rebound performance against Bethune-Cookman and followed up with a 34-point game against Kent State, the highest by a Seminole freshman since 1981. Throughout her freshman year, Latson averaged 21.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, breaking the ACC freshman scoring record with 659 points and recording seven 30-point games. Her outstanding play earned her the ACC Rookie of the Year award and national recognition as the USBWA National Freshman of the Year and WBCA Freshman of the Year. Wikipedia
Latson’s sophomore campaign saw her elevate her game further. She led the nation in scoring with an average of 25.2 points per game, demonstrating her offensive prowess and consistency. Notable performances included a career-high 40-point game, setting a new Florida State record, and a buzzer-beating shot to defeat No. 13 North Carolina, where she tallied 25 points and eight assists. Her exceptional play earned her multiple Player of the Week honors and solidified her reputation as one of the premier guards in the country.Connecticut Post
The decision to transfer to South Carolina aligns Latson with head coach Dawn Staley’s vision of assembling a championship-caliber team. Staley, renowned for her ability to develop talent and foster a winning culture, has been proactive in the transfer portal to enhance the Gamecocks’ roster. Latson’s addition addresses a critical need for a dynamic scorer, especially in the wake of South Carolina’s recent title game loss to UConn. Her presence is expected to provide an immediate offensive boost and complement the existing talent on the team. Swish AppealSBNation.com
Reuniting with Raven Johnson adds another layer of intrigue to Latson’s transfer. The two previously played together in high school, developing a chemistry that could translate seamlessly to the collegiate level. Johnson, a two-time NCAA champion with the Gamecocks, has been instrumental in the team’s success and is known for her leadership and playmaking abilities. The prospect of rekindling their on-court partnership has generated excitement among fans and analysts alike. SBNation.com+1Swish Appeal+1Sportskeeda
Latson’s decision to join South Carolina is part of a broader trend of high-profile transfers reshaping the landscape of women’s college basketball. The transfer portal has become a pivotal mechanism for players seeking new opportunities and for programs aiming to bolster their rosters with experienced talent. South Carolina’s proactive approach in the portal underscores the competitive nature of the sport and the strategic maneuvers teams are employing to remain at the forefront. Swish Appeal
As Latson transitions to South Carolina, expectations are high for her to continue her trajectory of excellence. Her scoring ability, combined with her experience and leadership, positions her as a key contributor to the Gamecocks’ aspirations for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts will be keenly watching how Latson integrates into Staley’s system and how her presence influences the team’s dynamics.
In conclusion, Ta’Niya Latson’s transfer to the University of South Carolina marks a significant development in women’s college basketball. Her journey from a standout high school player to a collegiate star has been characterized by relentless determination and exceptional talent. As she embarks on this new chapter with the Gamecocks, the anticipation surrounding her impact is palpable. With the support of a storied program and the opportunity to reunite with a former teammate, Latson is poised to make a profound contribution to South Carolina’s pursuit of excellence in the 2025–26 season