TRANSFER TAKEOVER IN COLUMBIA! — Why Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot Picked Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Powerhouse in Bold Game-Changing Move

When a program like South Carolina women’s basketball continues to rise even higher after reaching the summit, you know there’s something rare happening behind the scenes. The Gamecocks, under the exceptional leadership of Hall of Fame head coach Dawn Staley, have built more than a dynasty—they’ve created a gravitational pull. It’s the kind of magnetic force that not only lures top high school recruits but also draws elite players from other programs, players who’ve already made their mark on the collegiate basketball world. In a stunning offseason development, two of the most talented transfers in the country, Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot, announced they were joining forces with the Gamecocks. Their decisions to head to Columbia were not made lightly, and the ripple effects of these moves are already shaking the foundations of women’s college basketball.

Ta’Niya Latson is a name that resonates with anyone who’s followed NCAA hoops in recent years. The 5-foot-8 guard from Florida State exploded onto the scene as a freshman, averaging over 21 points per game and earning national headlines as one of the most electrifying scorers in the nation. She combines elite-level speed with an instinctual ability to create offense, whether she’s carving through defenses on the dribble or pulling up with a deadly mid-range jumper. Latson didn’t just score—she controlled tempo, set the emotional tone, and became the heart of Florida State’s offense. So when she hit the transfer portal, it wasn’t just a headline—it was a thunderclap across the basketball world. Everyone wanted her. Everyone called. But only one program landed her.

Then came Madina Okot, a 6-foot-5 powerhouse post player who emerged from the JUCO ranks with a rare blend of size, touch, and defensive intimidation. Originally from Kenya, Okot has made her basketball journey one of global reach and gritty determination. She dominated at Grayson College in Texas, putting up monster stat lines that showcased her rebounding instincts, rim protection, and efficient interior scoring. Coaches at the next level were salivating over her potential. But it wasn’t just about potential—it was about fit. Okot knew her next move had to be right. She needed a program that could elevate her game, surround her with winners, and allow her to learn from the best. Like Latson, she found all of that in Columbia.

What’s remarkable about these two decisions is not just the talent level involved—it’s the reasoning behind them. Both Latson and Okot were vocal in their admiration for what Coach Dawn Staley has built, not just on the court but off it. For years, Staley has been one of the most respected figures in the game, blending championship-level strategy with a commitment to her players’ personal growth, leadership, and long-term success. She isn’t just coaching basketball—she’s shaping lives. For athletes like Latson and Okot, that matters. It’s not just about getting minutes or making a tournament run. It’s about being developed as a complete person and competitor.

Latson said as much in a recent interview, noting that Staley’s authenticity and proven ability to win with integrity were central to her decision. “Coach Staley doesn’t just talk it—she lives it,” Latson said. “She’s been where I want to go. She knows what it takes. And when she talks, you listen, because it’s coming from someone who’s done it all.” Latson also pointed to South Carolina’s winning culture and the way Staley has empowered guards in her system to take over games, make plays, and lead from the front. With players like Zia Cooke, Destanni Henderson, and Tyasha Harris all thriving under Staley’s tutelage in recent years, Latson saw a blueprint for her own success—and an opportunity to push her game to a new level on the biggest stage.

For Okot, the decision was deeply rooted in trust and vision. Coming from the junior college ranks, she had no shortage of suitors, but she felt an immediate connection with South Carolina’s staff. “They believed in me not just as a player, but as a person,” Okot shared. “They saw what I could become. And Coach Staley, she’s someone you want to play for. She pushes you, she challenges you, but she also supports you in a way that’s real.” Okot’s physical tools are undeniable—she’s strong, mobile, and has soft hands around the rim—but what stood out to Staley and her staff was her willingness to embrace coaching and learn at every level. That hunger to improve matched the culture perfectly.

The additions of Latson and Okot are more than just roster upgrades—they are statements. They signal that South Carolina is not resting on its laurels after another dominant season. Instead, Staley is reinforcing her empire with elite reinforcements, ensuring that the program not only stays at the top but also evolves with the modern game. Latson brings dynamic backcourt scoring that complements South Carolina’s traditionally physical, defensive-minded identity. She gives them a go-to offensive weapon who can thrive in late-clock situations, break down pressure defenses, and stretch the floor. Okot, meanwhile, fits the mold of Gamecock post players who have defined the program’s toughness in the paint, from Alaina Coates to Aliyah Boston. Her presence gives South Carolina yet another rim protector and rebounder who can alter games without needing to score 20 points.

But beyond the X’s and O’s, the real story is the culture—because culture is why elite talent keeps choosing South Carolina. In an era when NIL deals, flash, and brand-building dominate headlines, Staley continues to win with a foundation rooted in character, accountability, and excellence. She’s created an environment where players aren’t just athletes—they’re leaders, ambassadors, and trailblazers. And for Latson and Okot, that mattered more than anything.

Staley’s recruiting pitch isn’t built on promises—it’s built on proof. National championships. Final Four runs. WNBA success. Player development stories that resonate across the basketball landscape. Whether it’s watching A’ja Wilson become the face of women’s pro basketball or seeing Dawn herself take center stage at All-Star events and global showcases, the Gamecocks offer a blueprint for sustained excellence. For transfers like Latson and Okot, the decision wasn’t about joining a team—it was about joining a legacy.

There’s also a sense of unfinished business driving both players. Latson, despite her explosive success at Florida State, missed out on March Madness due to injury in her freshman year and saw her team fall short of deep tournament expectations in the seasons that followed. She’s hungry—not just for personal accolades, but for titles. And with South Carolina’s talent-rich roster and national profile, she knows the chance to win it all is real. Okot, still relatively new to the elite college game, is looking to prove she belongs at the highest level. She knows she’ll be tested every day in practice, pushed by the best, and that iron will sharpen iron. It’s exactly what she wants.

The South Carolina faithful, already some of the most passionate fans in the country, are buzzing with anticipation. The prospect of seeing Latson slicing through SEC defenses and Okot anchoring the paint has turned offseason talk into championship chatter. And in true Gamecock fashion, there’s no fear of expectations. This program doesn’t shy away from the spotlight—it thrives in it.

In the end, the stories of Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot choosing South Carolina are about more than transfers—they’re about belief. Belief in a coach. Belief in a culture. Belief in a shared vision of greatness. As the 2025 season draws closer, there’s a palpable sense that something special is brewing once again in Columbia. Dawn Staley hasn’t just added talent—she’s added fire. And with Latson and Okot on board, the Gamecocks aren’t just reloading—they’re redefining what dominance looks like in the modern game.