Dawn Staley lands the #1 player in the transfer portal & the nation’s leading scorer, Ta’Niya Latson. Adding 25.2 ppg to an already stacked returning core ‍

Latson was teammates with Raven Johnson in high school and played AAU ball with MiLaysia Fulwiley & Ashlyn Watkins

 

 

Absolutely, here’s a 1000-word deep-dive on Dawn Staley landing Ta’Niya Latson:

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**Dawn Staley Lands Nation’s Top Transfer: Ta’Niya Latson Joins South Carolina’s Powerhouse Roster**

In what might go down as the biggest move of the women’s college basketball offseason, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has secured the commitment of Ta’Niya Latson, the No. 1 player in the transfer portal and the NCAA’s leading scorer from the 2023–24 season. Latson, who averaged a jaw-dropping 25.2 points per game at Florida State, adds immediate firepower to an already loaded South Carolina roster—and makes the Gamecocks early favorites for another national title run.

This isn’t just a high-profile transfer. This is a power move, a championship-caliber chess piece added by one of the sport’s most dominant coaches, and it shakes the entire women’s college basketball landscape.

### A Historic Scorer Enters the Chat

Ta’Niya Latson burst onto the scene during her freshman season at Florida State, winning ACC Freshman of the Year and making it abundantly clear she was a star in the making. She followed that with an even more explosive sophomore campaign, leading the nation in scoring with 25.2 points per game while adding 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Her game is defined by elite-level shot creation, explosive first-step quickness, and a scoring arsenal that ranges from deep three-point territory to acrobatic finishes at the rim.

What makes Latson’s scoring even more dangerous is her efficiency. She’s not a volume chucker—she shoots over 45% from the field and nearly 38% from three, often drawing double teams and still finding a way to score. Adding that level of offensive firepower to a team that just went undefeated through the regular season and made another Final Four? That’s a cheat code.

### Stacked on Stacked: South Carolina’s Reloaded Core

South Carolina isn’t losing much. In fact, most of the Gamecocks’ core is returning, including point guard Raven Johnson, rising star MiLaysia Fulwiley, and high-flying forward Ashlyn Watkins. With Kamilla Cardoso off to the WNBA, many wondered if there would be a drop-off in dominance. Enter Latson—and suddenly, the loss of Cardoso doesn’t sting quite as much.

The fit is seamless. Johnson is a true floor general, more than happy to facilitate and lock down opposing guards. Fulwiley brings flashy handles and dynamic scoring in transition. Watkins is a vertical lob threat and a rim protector. Now add Latson, who can get a bucket in isolation, work off screens, or play off-ball to keep defenses honest. It’s a terrifying mix of speed, spacing, and skill.

### Chemistry? Already Built

Here’s where things get even more intriguing: Ta’Niya Latson isn’t a stranger to this South Carolina group. She was high school teammates with Raven Johnson and played AAU basketball with both MiLaysia Fulwiley and Ashlyn Watkins. The chemistry isn’t just theoretical—it’s already been built in the trenches of elite grassroots competition.

That familiarity should ease her transition into Staley’s system. She won’t be walking into a locker room as “the new star”—she’s already family. That bond could make South Carolina even more cohesive, with less ego and more flow. It also means the team’s identity won’t need to shift dramatically to accommodate Latson’s game. Instead, her talents will elevate what’s already there.

### Dawn Staley: Portal Queen and Culture Architect

Dawn Staley’s recruiting has always been elite, but her ability to navigate the transfer portal puts her in a league of her own. She isn’t just stacking talent—she’s building culture. Every player that comes through Columbia is expected to buy into the team-first mindset, play defense, and sacrifice individual accolades for team success. That’s what makes this move even more impressive.

Latson could’ve gone anywhere. She was linked to programs like LSU, UConn, and even a return to Florida State. But she chose South Carolina. That speaks volumes—not just about Staley’s ability to recruit, but her ability to *retain* and *build*. Players want to be part of what she’s creating. And with NIL opportunities, national exposure, and a track record of development, South Carolina is becoming the premier destination in the country.

### The National Implications

With Latson in the fold, South Carolina doesn’t just reload—they upgrade. That’s scary for the rest of women’s college basketball.

LSU, who beat South Carolina in the SEC Championship, is losing key pieces. UConn, while always dangerous, is in transition. Iowa just lost Caitlin Clark. And while teams like UCLA, Texas, and NC State are rising, no one brings back the blend of experience, depth, and now elite scoring like the Gamecocks.

Staley now has the nation’s leading scorer, a returning Final Four core, and a group of players who’ve grown up playing together. The bar isn’t just another SEC title or Final Four run—it’s national championship or bust.

### What Latson Brings Beyond Scoring

While her scoring numbers draw headlines, Latson is more than a bucket-getter. She’s a tenacious competitor, capable rebounder, and a capable on-ball defender. Her quickness allows her to pressure opposing guards, and her anticipation creates steals and fast-break opportunities. She thrives in up-tempo systems—something South Carolina leans into, especially with Fulwiley and Johnson pushing the pace.

She also brings leadership. Despite being an underclassman, Latson has carried a team as the No. 1 option. She’s battle-tested in high-pressure ACC games. Now, surrounded by more weapons, she won’t have to carry the same load, which could make her even *more* efficient.

### A Superteam in the Making?

It’s not too early to say it—this might be a superteam.

South Carolina now boasts multiple McDonald’s All-Americans, the nation’s top scorer, and perhaps the deepest guard rotation in the country. Add in Dawn Staley’s coaching pedigree and a top-tier defensive system, and you have a recipe for sustained dominance.

While Staley has already won two national championships, this squad could give her a chance at something even rarer: a perfect season. With the right chemistry, health, and hunger, this version of the Gamecocks might be the most complete team she’s ever coached.

### Final Thoughts

Ta’Niya Latson’s commitment to South Carolina isn’t just a headline—it’s a seismic shift. It reinforces what we already knew: Dawn Staley is running the show in women’s college basketball. With Latson joining forces with her former teammates and a loaded Gamecock core, the rest of the nation is officially on notice.

This isn’t just about points per game. It’s about fit, chemistry, culture, and winning. And right now, everything is aligning in Columbia. The dynasty is far from over—it might just be getting started.