Transferring to South Carolina, Ta’Niya Latson: The Gamecocks add the top scorer in the country to enhance their offensive.

In a move that could reshape the entire landscape of women’s college basketball, Florida State star Ta’Niya Latson has officially transferred to the University of South Carolina. The Gamecocks, already a perennial powerhouse under head coach Dawn Staley, just added the nation’s top scorer to a roster already brimming with talent and championship aspirations.

This isn’t just a big addition—it’s seismic.

A Game-Changing Arrival

Ta’Niya Latson is not just another talented player hitting the transfer portal. She is the epitome of offensive excellence. The sophomore guard averaged 22.5 points per game last season for Florida State, leading the nation in scoring while showcasing a breathtaking blend of speed, ball control, shooting, and basketball IQ.

For South Carolina, which went undefeated en route to the national championship in 2024 but sometimes leaned on defense and depth over individual offensive fireworks, Latson provides an explosive dimension that could be the final piece to make them unstoppable.

In a system renowned for its structure, toughness, and team-first mentality, Latson’s ability to create her own shot, draw fouls, and convert from all three levels instantly elevates the Gamecocks’ offensive ceiling.

What Latson Brings to South Carolina

To understand the magnitude of this transfer, one must fully appreciate what Latson brings to the table.

Scoring Prowess

Latson didn’t just lead the nation in scoring—she did it efficiently. She shot 45.4% from the field, 36.2% from three, and over 85% from the free-throw line. Her ability to score in transition, knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers, and drive past defenders off the dribble makes her an offensive Swiss Army knife.

Shot Creation

South Carolina has had no shortage of dominant players during Dawn Staley’s run—A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke—but a true one-on-one offensive savant like Latson adds something rare. Her handle and body control make her nearly unguardable in isolation. She forces defenders to collapse, opening up opportunities for others.

Versatility

At 5-foot-8, Latson may not be the tallest guard, but she plays far bigger. Her lateral quickness and strength allow her to guard multiple positions, while her court vision makes her an underrated passer. That versatility will make her a fit in almost any lineup Staley puts together.

Big Game Mentality

Latson put up massive numbers against top competition. Against teams like NC State, Duke, and Louisville, she never blinked—often raising her level when her teammates needed her most. That kind of fearlessness is what championship programs crave.

Dawn Staley: Always One Step Ahead

Dawn Staley has built a dynasty in Columbia by blending elite recruiting with masterful player development and tactical genius. She saw something special in Latson from the jump, and this transfer is another example of her adaptability in the modern era of college basketball.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on defense and depth,” Staley said in a recent statement. “But when you get a chance to bring in someone like Ta’Niya—a player who can take over a game—you don’t pass that up. She’s a competitor, she’s a winner, and she wants to be great.”

Staley’s ability to keep South Carolina at the top amid roster turnover and changing transfer rules is a testament to her culture and vision. Adding Latson is proof that the program is not just sustaining excellence—it’s evolving.

Replacing Departures and Complementing Stars

The timing of Latson’s arrival is critical. The Gamecocks will be saying goodbye to several seniors and potentially losing more players to the WNBA. While MiLaysia Fulwiley, Raven Johnson, and Chloe Kitts have emerged as dynamic threats, the presence of a proven scorer like Latson creates balance.

Fulwiley, a human highlight reel in her own right, thrives in chaos and transition. With Latson drawing defensive attention, Fulwiley could find even more freedom. Johnson, a pass-first point guard with elite court vision, should mesh perfectly with Latson’s movement off the ball. And Kitts, a steady presence in the paint, benefits from cleaner looks as defenders collapse on perimeter drives.

South Carolina doesn’t rebuild—it reloads. And Latson might just be the most lethal bullet in the chamber.

The Bigger Picture: South Carolina and the Modern Transfer Era

College basketball is in the midst of a transformation. The transfer portal has become a central force, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals give players more flexibility and power than ever before.

Latson’s move is emblematic of that new world. After two spectacular seasons at Florida State, she sought a bigger stage—one where championships are the expectation and the spotlight never dims. South Carolina offers all of that and more.

She will now play in front of sold-out Colonial Life Arena crowds, on ESPN’s prime-time broadcasts, and under one of the most celebrated coaches in the sport.

And make no mistake—this was a calculated decision. Latson wants to win titles. She wants to grow as a player and a leader. And she wants to be remembered as one of the greats. At South Carolina, that opportunity is right in front of her.

Florida State’s Loss, South Carolina’s Gain

While the Gamecocks celebrate, the Seminoles are left searching for answers. Latson was the face of their program and the cornerstone of their offense. Replacing her production will be almost impossible, both in terms of numbers and intangibles.

FSU head coach Brooke Wyckoff issued a brief but gracious statement, thanking Latson for her contributions and wishing her well. Behind closed doors, though, this is a gut punch.

Still, it’s a reflection of the reality facing programs outside the top handful of elite destinations. The gravitational pull of programs like South Carolina, LSU, and UConn is immense, and the top players want to compete for championships.

How This Changes the SEC

With LSU continuing to stack talent under Kim Mulkey, Tennessee on the rise, and Ole Miss emerging as a serious contender, the SEC is more loaded than ever. But South Carolina has just widened the gap.

Latson’s arrival doesn’t just make the Gamecocks better—it makes them terrifying. Every team now has to account for a 22-point-per-game scorer on top of the weapons already in Columbia.

This could also impact recruiting battles. When elite high school players see someone like Latson choose South Carolina over staying in-state, it sends a message: this is where greatness goes to grow.

What to Expect in 2025

Projecting forward, the 2025 season could be one for the ages.

Imagine this potential starting five:

• PG: Raven Johnson – Floor general, elite defender, growing offensive threat
• SG: Ta’Niya Latson – National scoring leader, instant offense
• SF: MiLaysia Fulwiley – Playmaker, crowd igniter, future superstar
• PF: Chloe Kitts – Rebounding and scoring anchor
• C: Kamilla Cardoso (if she returns) or post-portal addition – Rim protector and rebounder

That lineup combines experience, youth, firepower, and defensive prowess. If they jell quickly, the Gamecocks could dominate the SEC and cruise into March with a No. 1 seed.

The Legacy in Motion

Ta’Niya Latson came to college basketball with sky-high expectations, and she has already surpassed most of them. But in transferring to South Carolina, she’s signaling that she’s not satisfied with personal accolades. She wants rings.

That mindset fits perfectly with the Staley way. The Gamecocks don’t play for headlines—they play for banners. And now, they’ve added a weapon who can help hang more of them.

In a world where so much is changing, one thing remains the same: South Carolina women’s basketball continues to be the standard.

And with Ta’Niya Latson in garnet and black, the rest of the nation has been officially put on notice.