South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley and her team might have gotten beaten pretty badly by UConn in the National Championship, but Staley certainly isn't hanging her head or wallowing in her sad feelings. It is clear now that Staley has already turned the page and is putting in the work for next season.
Staley knew the transfer portal was going to be her best move when trying to replace a number of the players leaving South Carolina this season for graduation. No one probably thought though that she would pull out the nation's leading scorer out of Florida State to join the Gamecocks.
That is right, Ta'Niya Latson, the nation's leading scorer, averaging 25.2 points last season, is changing in spears for feathers as she is leaving Florida State for South Carolina. Gamecock fans can't believe the move either, as they are absolutely losing their minds on social media.
A birdie just flew in nest!! 🐔🐔🐔
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) April 8, 2025
The cryptic message from Staley is truly what pulls this all together.
HUGE news for @GamecockWBB
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) April 8, 2025
Nation’s leading scorer Ta’Niya Latson transferring in.
HUGE get for @dawnstaley
Holly Rowe has been covering women's basketball for a long time, and this is certainly something she seems excited about.
Ta’niya Latson, Joyce Edwards, and MiLaysia Fulwiley all on one team? I'll be there!
— Niya (@Aniiyaa_) April 8, 2025
Raise your hand if you are excited to see how this plays out!
A backcourt quartet in MiLaysia Fulwiley, Raven Johnson, Maddy McDaniel, and now Ta’Niya Latson….phewwww
— christan (no i), ß (@ChristanWNBA) April 8, 2025
South Carolina is going to be something majestic. Has everything you want. Speed, shot making, versatility, leadership, true PG play. Fall can’t get here quick enough
To see Latson intertwined with this entire South Carolina squad feels like it is going to be magic on display on the court. Latson will be able to bring a whole other level to South Carolina's offense, making them a very tough team to play against and defend.
South Carolina and Ta’Niya Latson need each other. What a perfect pairing for so many reasons!!
— Q (@middyenthusiast) April 8, 2025
This pairing makes so much sense. with the threat of all of South Carolina's players, Latson will be able to open herself up more; teams can't just focus on her. This move makes the most sense for both parties involved, and Latson gets to play with her best friends again in Raven Johnson.
RAVEN JOHNSON GOTTA BE RETURNING TO PLAY WITH HER DAWG TA’NIYA LATSON AT SOUTH CAROLINA ❤️🤙🏾
— LONG LIVE GNOSEO (@RealestIndian) April 8, 2025
Scream it louder for every South Carolina fan to hear you!
SC lands Ta’Niya Latson and Raven’s returning! Going to be an interesting duo to watch!
— $ham⚜️ (@ShamBreakDaBank) April 8, 2025
This duo was one to watch on both their high school and AAU teams. There is a reason both are very successful in their college careers right now and now that they are teaming up at the same school, South Carolina fans are just grateful it is for their team.
Called this one a mile away. Finally, Dawn Staley gets her blue-chip guard in Ta’Niya Latson that can give you an easy 30 a night. This is a match made in heaven and gives the Gamecocks the offensive firepower they need to get closer to their next title. https://t.co/DhrqI414hX
— Brandon N. (@brandon_nwokeji) April 8, 2025
Staley has shown she can do a lot with guards, just look at Tessa Johnson and Te-Hina Paopao. The commitment from Latson is something everyone's eyes in college basketball are turning to. Latson in a South Carolina uniform next season is scary for every other team in women's college basketball.