South Carolina Gamecocks Could Dominate 2026 WNBA Draft with Star-Studded Roster
The South Carolina women’s basketball program continues to churn out WNBA-ready talent. Just last week, Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin were all drafted in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft, pushing the Gamecocks’ total to nine selections in the past three years.
And the pipeline isn’t drying up anytime soon.
According to ESPN’s Michael Voepel, three current Gamecocks — Ta’Niya Latson, Chloe Kitts, and Madina Okot — are projected as top-15 picks in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Voepel ranks Ta’Niya Latson as the No. 4 overall prospect for next year. The explosive guard transferred to Columbia from Florida State, where she led the nation in scoring last season. “Latson will be the best scorer in garnet and black since A’ja Wilson,” the article notes, and her offensive firepower could be a game-changer for Dawn Staley’s squad. If she lives up to expectations, she could hear her name called early on draft night.
Next up is Chloe Kitts, slotted at No. 10. The rising senior forward shined during the postseason, earning SEC Tournament MVP honors. While she may not have prototypical size for a WNBA forward, her rebounding and growing range make her an ideal stretch-4 in the pro game.
Another name climbing the draft boards is Madina Okot, a 6-foot-6 center who transferred from Mississippi State. She’s known for her shot-blocking, rebounding, and double-double potential — traits highly coveted in the WNBA. Although her eligibility timeline may depend on how the NCAA handles her time playing collegiately in Kenya, her upside is undeniable.
A possible new addition to the Gamecocks could shake things up even more: Gianna Kneepkens, ranked No. 9 by Voepel, is currently in the transfer portal. After a stellar shooting run at Utah, she’s weighing offers from South Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, and UCLA. If she chooses Columbia, the Gamecocks’ firepower will be even more dangerous.
Meanwhile, Ashlyn Watkins, Maryam Dauda, and Raven Johnson are all eligible for the 2026 draft. Johnson, who chose to return for one more year, was already seen as a potential late pick this year. Watkins, though recovering from an ACL tear, has long-term pro potential. And Dauda’s flashes of brilliance make her another name to watch.
With all this talent, Dawn Staley has assembled yet another powerhouse roster. If South Carolina claims another national title — their third in five seasons and fourth in a decade — it will likely be fueled by these future WNBA stars.
