**“WHY I CHOSE THE GARNET & BLACK — Ta’Niya Latson Opens Up on Picking South Carolina and Reveals the Schools She Considered in the Transfer Portal”**
Ta’Niya Latson’s decision to join the South Carolina Gamecocks has already sent waves through the women’s college basketball world, not just because of her elite talent but also because of the significance behind her move. A highly decorated guard who starred for the Florida State Seminoles, Latson was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal this offseason. Her arrival in Columbia marks a bold new chapter in her career and adds another elite piece to Dawn Staley’s national powerhouse. Now, for the first time since making the move official, Latson has opened up about why she chose the Gamecocks, what drew her to South Carolina, and the other schools that tried to secure her commitment before she made her final call.
In the increasingly fluid landscape of college basketball, the transfer portal has become a transformative tool for both athletes and programs. For Latson, it wasn’t a decision made lightly. After two exceptional years at Florida State, where she blossomed into one of the nation’s most dynamic scorers and playmakers, the talented guard sought a situation that could push her even further—both athletically and personally. Enter South Carolina, a program that has redefined sustained excellence under Coach Staley. For Latson, the appeal of joining the Gamecocks was rooted in a culture of accountability, growth, and legacy.
Speaking candidly about the process, Latson detailed how she wanted a program that would not only win, but win the right way. Her admiration for Dawn Staley and the Gamecock culture was clear. She described watching South Carolina from afar, admiring their discipline, their confidence, and the way each player bought into the greater mission. For Latson, it wasn’t just about putting up points—it was about winning championships, building a legacy, and being a part of something larger than herself. South Carolina’s recent dominance, including their undefeated national title run and the development of All-Americans and WNBA draft picks, made it hard to overlook what was happening in Columbia.
Latson spoke highly of the conversations she had with Coach Staley during the recruitment process, emphasizing the genuine energy, transparency, and respect that came from those talks. For a player with Latson’s skill set, it would be easy for coaches to promise touches and stardom, but she said South Carolina was different. The focus was on hard work, sacrifice, and team-first mentality. That resonated with her. She wants to be part of a system where winning matters more than personal accolades. And under Staley, that’s exactly what she’s stepping into.
Before finalizing her decision, Latson fielded offers and interest from several elite programs. She admitted that top-tier schools across the country reached out—programs from the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and even Pac-12 made strong pitches. Some tried to lure her with promises of guaranteed playing time and offensive freedom, while others highlighted their marketability or NIL opportunities. But Latson says her criteria went deeper. She wasn’t just looking for exposure or personal stat lines; she wanted to be coached hard, pushed every day, and surrounded by players with the same hunger to win.
Among the schools she considered were LSU, UConn, Stanford, and USC. Each offered something different: LSU had the championship pedigree and star-studded roster, UConn had its historic dominance and Hall-of-Fame coach, Stanford offered a blend of academic and basketball excellence, and USC boasted rising momentum on the West Coast. Latson praised each of those schools for their professionalism and the way they recruited her, but none could quite match what she felt when she visited Columbia. There was a sense of home, a sense of destiny, she said. Everything just aligned.
Latson also opened up about the challenges of entering the portal. The process can be chaotic, emotional, and overwhelming, especially for a player of her caliber. She had to balance excitement with pressure, sift through pitches with discernment, and ultimately choose a place that felt right in her heart. It wasn’t just about basketball. It was about relationships, trust, and the belief that the next stop in her journey would help unlock the best version of herself.
The timing of her commitment also played a part in her decision. With South Carolina coming off yet another dominant season, including a national championship and a roster that has seen its fair share of transition, Latson saw an opportunity to step in and make an immediate impact. She knows that nothing is guaranteed and that earning minutes in Staley’s system requires grit, consistency, and mental toughness. But that’s what excites her the most. She’s ready for that level of accountability. She wants to be a Gamecock not just in title, but in spirit.
Her addition brings a new dimension to the Gamecocks’ already lethal backcourt. With her ability to score at all three levels, distribute, and defend, Latson offers the kind of versatility and explosiveness that can change games. She has the ability to take over in crunch time but also knows how to facilitate and play within a team structure. Staley has a proven record of developing guards, and Latson’s belief that she’ll grow under her guidance is part of what sealed the deal.
Latson’s arrival comes at a time when South Carolina is looking to reload rather than rebuild. With the departure of key veterans and the emergence of younger talent, the Gamecocks are again positioning themselves as championship contenders. Adding someone like Latson—who brings both proven production and untapped potential—only strengthens that case. She brings big-game experience, a fierce competitive edge, and a humility that fits seamlessly into the culture Staley has cultivated.
While fans across the country debate whether South Carolina can repeat, retool, or redefine greatness once again, Latson’s move adds an intriguing new layer to the conversation. Her presence changes the dynamic of the team and gives the Gamecocks another elite option who can take over when needed, or serve as the engine that keeps the team flowing. It’s a win-win scenario for both player and program.
Beyond the hardwood, Latson also cited the importance of the South Carolina community. From the moment she stepped on campus, she felt the warmth and support from the fanbase, the academic staff, and her future teammates. There’s a level of accountability, she said, but also a deep care and appreciation for each athlete who wears the garnet and black. That balance, she believes, will allow her to thrive—not just as a basketball player, but as a young woman preparing for the next chapter of life.
She also credited her family and inner circle for helping her navigate the process. Through every Zoom call, campus visit, and late-night conversation, they were there to keep her grounded. Ultimately, she said, the decision had to be hers, but having their support gave her clarity and peace. And when she told them she was choosing South Carolina, there was no hesitation—only excitement.
Now, with her decision behind her, Latson is locked in and ready to get to work. Summer workouts, preseason training, and the grind of SEC play are fast approaching. But for someone like Latson, who thrives on competition and embraces the challenge, it’s all part of the journey she chose. And she’s not looking back.
Her message to Gamecock Nation is simple: “I’m here to win, I’m here to grow, and I’m here to give everything I’ve got.” With that mindset, and with her immense talent, there’s no telling how high she and this South Carolina team can soar. For now, though, Ta’Niya Latson is right where she wants to be—under the bright lights of Colonial Life Arena, wearing the garnet and black, and ready to help write the next legendary chapter of Gamecock women’s basketball.
