South Carolina continues to make waves in the women’s basketball transfer portal. Earlier this week, the Gamecocks secured a major addition for the 2025-26 season by landing standout guard Ta’Niya Latson. Now, buzz is building again as another top-tier transfer is eyeing a visit to Columbia.
According to On3’s Talia Goodman, former Utah standout Gianna Kneepkens is planning visits to South Carolina, along with Oklahoma, Texas, and UCLA. A versatile 6-foot wing from Minnesota, Kneepkens spent four seasons with the Utes and has one year of eligibility remaining. After an injury sidelined her for most of the 2023-24 season, she’s opting to return to college rather than declare for the WNBA Draft.
During her redshirt junior year, Kneepkens showcased elite-level stats, averaging 19.3 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. Her efficiency was just as impressive—she shot 50.4% from the field, 44.8% from three-point range, and 89.0% from the free-throw line. A capable ball handler and strong rebounder, she brings versatility on both ends of the court.
Even if Kneepkens chooses a different program, Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley remains focused on strengthening her roster. She’s made it clear that she’ll remain aggressive in the portal, especially in her pursuit of dominant post players.
“We’re going after size this offseason,” Staley has emphasized, showing no signs of slowing down South Carolina’s pursuit of excellence.
