Ta'Niya Latson gets to be mentored by the GOAT A'ja Wilson as she joins Las Vegas

It didn't take too long for former South Carolina Gamecock star Ta'Niya Latson to find herself a new WNBA team. Earlier this week, Latson was waived by the Los Angeles Sparks, who made way for Katie Martin off their developmental squad. 

Well just a few days later, Latson has found herself a new WNBA team. On Wednesday evening, the Las Vegas Aces announced they were signing Latson to a developmental contract. 

The Sparks waived Latson on Monday although Los Angeles selected her with the No. 20 overall pick in the second round of April's WNBA Draft. Although Latson was expected to be a backup point guard to Kelsey Plum, she struggled with the adjustment. Across her 10 appearances with the Sparks, Latson averaged just 1.8 points per game, with just 1 rebound and shooting 27.3% from the floor. 

Plum is expected to be out for several weeks, which promoted the need for Los Angeles to elevate Martin. 

In Las Vegas, Latson will get to learn from one of the league's greatest in A'ja Wilson

The good news for Latson is that her WNBA career does not end in Las Vegas. She will be able to continue playing with the Aces under veteran coach Becky Hammond. 

Per the terms of the league's developmental contracts, Latson will be allowed to practice and travel with the team all season. But as a developmental player the former Gamecock will be allowed to play just 12 games during the regular season over the course of the WNBA season.

One of the best news for Latson with this move to the Aces? She gets to learn from arguably the greatest women's basketball player of all time, and fellow Gamecock A'ja Wilson. 

While Wilson and Latson did not play together for the Garnet and Black, the two were both coached by Dawn Staley, and share the Gamecock bond. Wilson is a four-time WNBA MVP, and has won three titles with the Aces, including the championship last season. 

Although Wilson is currently dealing with a twisted ankle she suffered late last month against the Chicago Sky, she's averaging 25.7 points per game, with 9.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. 

In Las Vegas, Wilson can take Latson under her wing, and show her the ropes at the next level. She will also get to learn from Aces veterans like Chennedy Carter and Chelsea Gray. Latson being able to do so without having the pressure of needing to perform during a regular WNBA contract should pay dividends for the WNBA rookie. Latson started her career at Florida State before transferring to South Carolina for her fourth and final season of college basketball.

Wilson helped bring Coach Staley her first-ever national championship to the Gamecocks in 2017. In Columbia, she was a three-time All-American, and had her number retired by the Gamecocks. 

Kudos to the Aces on making this move, and congrats to Latson on her new contract! 

ALSO READ: Three former Gamecocks named to WNBA All-Star roster, headlined by Aliyah Boston

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