There is already a noticeable excitement surrounding Ta’Niya Latson’s official entrance in Columbia.

When news broke that former Florida State star guard Ta’Niya Latson would be transferring to South Carolina, the women’s college basketball world felt a seismic shift. For a program already dominant under Dawn Staley, adding a prolific scorer and dynamic playmaker like Latson has sparked a wave of excitement—not just within the South Carolina fanbase but across the national landscape. In Columbia, buzz is growing by the day as Gamecocks supporters anticipate what could be another step toward an even greater dynasty.

Ta’Niya Latson enters Columbia with accolades that speak for themselves. As the 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year, she led Florida State in scoring as a freshman, averaging over 21 points per game before being sidelined late in the season. Even with reduced minutes in her sophomore campaign, she remained among the most feared guards in the country, showcasing elite speed, craftiness off the dribble, and a natural scoring touch.

Her decision to transfer was one of the most high-profile moves of the offseason. Once she entered the portal, nearly every top program reached out, but South Carolina quickly emerged as the front-runner. Latson cited Dawn Staley’s leadership, the program’s culture, and the opportunity to compete for a national title as primary reasons for choosing Columbia. That alone lit a fire under Gamecock Nation.

While South Carolina remains a perennial powerhouse and is coming off another deep tournament run, one clear area of opportunity for improvement heading into the 2025–26 season is perimeter offense. The Gamecocks boasted a dominant frontcourt and suffocating defense, but there were moments during the past season where the offense struggled to create in the half-court against elite competition.

She isn’t just a scoring guard—she’s a go-to scorer. Someone who can create her own shot late in the clock, navigate through contact, and stretch the floor. Her presence immediately gives South Carolina an offensive weapon that can relieve pressure from the frontcourt and punish opponents from the outside. She adds a level of dynamism that is rare, even in elite programs.

When Dawn Staley spoke publicly about the addition of Latson, she didn’t mince words. “She’s one of the most complete guards in the country,” Staley said. “We’re not just adding talent—we’re adding someone who has that ‘it’ factor. Someone who knows how to win, who wants the spotlight, and who thrives in pressure moments.”

Staley also hinted that Latson’s role would be different than it was at Florida State. While she was often tasked with carrying the scoring load there, South Carolina offers a more balanced attack. Latson’s responsibilities will include playmaking, facilitating, and integrating into a system loaded with former five-star talent.

But make no mistake—Staley intends to unleash her new star when it matters most.

One of the reasons why there’s already so much excitement about Latson’s arrival is how seamlessly she fits South Carolina’s identity. She’s a tireless worker, fiercely competitive, and carries herself with the type of edge that has defined the Gamecocks during the Staley era. The program doesn’t just recruit players—they recruit personalities. And in Latson, they’ve landed a player whose mindset mirrors their championship DNA.

In her first media availability since announcing the transfer, Latson made it clear: “I’m coming here to win. I respect everything this program stands for. And I’m ready to do whatever it takes to make sure we bring another championship to Columbia.”

Those words struck a chord with fans and teammates alike.

Since Latson’s commitment, South Carolina fans have flooded social media with support. Highlight videos of her Florida State performances—her step-back threes, her acrobatic finishes, her cold-blooded isolation plays—have gone viral on Gamecock Twitter. Students are already talking about camping out for games, and her jersey is projected to become one of the best-sellers in the SEC once available.

The Gamecocks already sell out Colonial Life Arena regularly, but Latson’s arrival promises to take the atmosphere to another level. Many fans see her as the next great Gamecock guard in the lineage of Tyasha Harris, Zia Cooke, and Destanni Henderson.

What makes this transfer even more special is how Latson complements the existing roster. With Kamilla Cardoso having declared for the WNBA, the Gamecocks are in transition. Players like Raven Johnson, Chloe Kitts, and MiLaysia Fulwiley will be expected to step into more prominent roles. Fulwiley, in particular, is a player whose electric play during the NCAA Tournament last season wowed viewers nationwide.

Now, pairing Fulwiley and Latson in the same backcourt has fans salivating. Both are fast, aggressive, and confident scorers. They could become one of the most entertaining guard duos in college basketball.

Insiders have already reported that Latson and Fulwiley have been working out together during the offseason, developing chemistry and pushing each other in workouts. Coaches are thrilled with the early signs and expect the two to form a potent 1-2 punch.

Of course, with this level of excitement comes pressure. South Carolina will once again be the hunted in the SEC and nationally, and Latson will be expected to deliver right away. But if anyone is built to handle it, it’s her.

She’s played in big games, carried teams on her back, and responded to adversity with grit and grace. Staley has a reputation for preparing her players for pressure environments, and Latson seems eager to embrace it.

“I didn’t come here for comfort,” she said during a recent event. “I came here to grow. I want to be challenged every day.”

That mindset is exactly why fans and coaches alike believe she’s going to thrive.

Even if we strip away the hype and focus on analytics, the numbers support why Latson’s arrival is monumental.

• Career averages (FSU): 19.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.9 APG
• Shooting splits: 45.3 FG%, 35.8 3PT%, 82.6 FT%
• PER (Player Efficiency Rating): 25.1 — elite level
• Usage Rate: Among top 5 nationally among guards in 2023

Her efficiency in isolation plays and transition scoring ranks in the top 10 percentile in women’s college basketball. Pair that with South Carolina’s dominant rebounding and interior defense, and the team is poised to score more easily while maintaining its defensive identity.

South Carolina’s move to bring in Latson isn’t just about winning in the SEC—it’s about continuing to dominate on the national stage. With LSU reloading, UConn always a threat, and a rising crop of talent across the country, the arms race in women’s college basketball is as competitive as it’s ever been.

Latson’s arrival signals that South Carolina isn’t backing down. They’re doubling down.

The program wants to continue winning national titles, producing All-Americans, and staying at the forefront of the sport. Latson could very well be the next face of women’s college basketball—and Columbia is now her launching pad.

Beyond the court, Latson’s arrival has also been embraced by the Columbia community. Local businesses have offered NIL support, and she’s already scheduled to appear at a few youth clinics and charity events. Her presence has generated media interest that extends beyond sports pages, with local news stations covering her arrival like a celebrity entering town.

That’s no accident. In a city that has seen its women’s basketball team become a cultural force, Latson’s star power is only adding to the momentum. Kids want to wear her jersey. Fans want to get her autograph. And Columbia is ready to rally around her.

Looking ahead, all eyes will be on how quickly Latson adjusts to Staley’s system and meshes with the returning core. Early practices this summer will give coaches a better idea of how to structure the offense around her, but one thing is already clear: expectations are sky-high.

The Gamecocks are likely to be preseason No. 1 or 2 once again, and Latson will be a preseason All-American candidate. The schedule is brutal, featuring matchups with LSU, UConn, and a loaded non-conference slate—but that’s exactly the kind of challenge Latson is craving.

Her official debut in Colonial Life Arena is still months away, but the excitement has already reached a fever pitch. Tickets are selling, cameras will be rolling, and all of women’s college basketball will be watching.

Ta’Niya Latson’s arrival in Columbia marks a new chapter for South Carolina basketball. In a program already rich with history, her presence adds a new layer of excitement, anticipation, and championship potential. With her skill, mindset, and star power, she is poised not only to elevate the Gamecocks on the court but also to inspire the next generation of young athletes off of it.

The buzz is real. The expectations are high. And if the early signs are any indication, Ta’Niya Latson is ready to rise to the occasion and make Columbia her home of legends.