ESPN’s recent 2026 WNBA mock draft and what it means for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program — plus some surprises, analysis, and future implications.
Big Picture: Not Just One, But Multiple Gamecocks in the Mix
ESPN’s latest 2026 WNBA mock draft features several players from South Carolina, which underscores how deep and talented the Gamecocks’ roster is, and how their pipeline to the pros continues to grow.
Here are the key Gamecock names in ESPN’s projection:
- Ta’Niya Latson — Projected to go 6th overall in this mock.
- Chloe Kitts — Also on ESPN’s radar, though not in the very top picks.
- Madina Okot — Mentioned by other mock-draft outlets (via ESPN commentary) as a prospect.
This multi-player projection is a strong signal: SC isn’t just relying on one star for future pro-level validation — several players look ready to take that leap.
Gamecock Spotlight: Ta’Niya Latson
- Latson’s Profile & Potential
According to ESPN, Latson is one of the top prospects in the 2026 class. In her previous season at Florida State, she led Division I in scoring, averaging 25.2 points per game. - Transition to SC
Now transferring to South Carolina, Latson will join one of the deepest and most competitive women’s programs in the country. - Strengths & Concerns
- Strengths: Incredible scoring ability, creativity in offense, and a relentlessness in getting to her spots.
- Concerns: ESPN notes that while she is a volume scorer, her 3-point shooting is a question mark. She made 37 threes in her last season, but her career 3-point percentage is just ~ 32.6%.
- Draft Projection Implication
Latson’s move to South Carolina could be a double-edged sword for her WNBA stock: On one hand, playing in a high-profile, well-coached program like SC should improve her visibility and polish. On the other, she might not dominate as much statistically in SC’s balanced system as she did at FSU — which could slightly mute her draft metrics.
Other Notable Gamecocks in the Mock
- Chloe Kitts
- Kitts is also being eyed as a potential draft pick in 2026. According to SBNation’s draft board, she has the size (6’3″), wingspan, and shot-blocking ability that could translate to a forward role in the WNBA.
- However, reports indicate she tore her ACL and is expected to miss significant time in the 2025–26 college season.
- That injury could seriously impact her draft stock — mock drafts might adjust as more clarity around her recovery emerges.
- Madina Okot
- Though not in ESPN’s top 6, Okot is being discussed by other outlets. In one Pro Football Network mock, she is projected to be picked late in the first round.
- Standing at 6’6”, Okot brings impressive size. She was a stand-out at Mississippi State before transferring to South Carolina.
- Her chances will hinge on how well she performs in SC’s system, especially coming off the bench or challenging for a starting frontcourt role.
Why These Projections Are Surprising (and Significant)
- Depth of Talent: It’s not just one player from SC — having three Gamecocks in early discussion for the 2026 WNBA Draft is huge. It shows that South Carolina isn’t just producing role players but potential WNBA-impact prospects at multiple positions.
- Latson’s Repositioning: Latson’s move to SC was always going to be big, but being projected in the top 10 of a WNBA mock draft so early in her SC tenure suggests that WNBA evaluators are very serious about her upside.
- Injury Risks and Draft Volatility: With Kitts’ ACL injury, her draft projection introduces uncertainty. Mock drafts this early are always speculative, but health will be a major factor in how her draft stock plays out.
- International/Size Mix: Okot adds an international/size element. At 6’6”, she’s a rare big in the mock projections, which could be very attractive to WNBA teams looking for length and rim protection.
Implications for South Carolina WBB
- Recruiting Boost
- Having multiple WNBA prospects gives SC serious recruiting juice. Future recruits will see that SC isn’t just about winning in college — it’s a real pathway to the pros.
- Roster Strategy
- Coach Dawn Staley and her staff will need to balance playing time: helping Latson maximize her scoring while also giving enough opportunities to Okot and Kitts to continue developing.
- Team Goals
- For SC, this doesn’t just validate their current roster: it also raises the bar for their ambitions. They’re not just competing for NCAA championships — they’re building a pro-level program.
- Risk Management
- Injuries like Kitts’ ACL tear could force SC to adapt faster, leaning on other bigs or mixing in younger players. How they manage that could influence not just their college success but how these players are evaluated for the WNBA.
The Takeaway: What We Should Watch Going Forward
- Latson’s Performance at SC: How she adapts to a less “volume shoot-first” role will be critical. If she thrives, her draft stock could rise even higher.
- Kitts’ Recovery: Her health will be a major storyline. A strong recovery and return could re-elevate her as a first-round pick.
- Okot’s Role: We’ll need to see how SC deploys her size. Bigs who can protect the rim and rebound well are always in demand in the WNBA.
- More Mock Updates: As more mock drafts come out (especially closer to 2026), we’ll see whether ESPN and other analysts continue to view these Gamecocks as lottery or high pick talents.
Bottom line: ESPN’s 2026 mock draft is a major vote of confidence for South Carolina’s women’s program. With multiple Gamecocks projected as potential WNBA draftees — especially Latson — SC is looking not just like a college powerhouse but a pro-level talent factory. But with that comes pressure: injuries, development, and role management will all play into whether these projections become reality.
