Dawn Staley Praises Ta’Niya Latson’s Complete Game in Preseason Interview
COLUMBIA — South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley had plenty to say about her newest star, Ta’Niya Latson, during a recent preseason practice interview. While much of the spotlight on Latson centers on her prolific scoring ability, Staley emphasized that her impact goes far beyond putting points on the board.
“Ta’Niya offers us a true number one scoring option, there’s no doubt about it,” Staley said. “But she’s so much more than just a scorer. She’s mature, she’s versatile whether she has the ball in her hands or not, and she brings a defensive edge that people don’t talk about nearly enough.”
Latson arrives at South Carolina after leading the nation in scoring at Florida State last season, where she averaged 25.2 points per game. The transfer guard’s arrival in Columbia strengthens what was already considered one of the deepest and most competitive rosters in the SEC.
Staley noted that Latson’s all-around game immediately elevates the Gamecocks’ ceiling. “She makes us better on both ends of the floor. Her playmaking ability helps create for others, and defensively she really competes. That’s something we value as much as her scoring.”
For Latson, the move to South Carolina also means joining one of the country’s most talent-rich programs under a coach known for pushing guards to new heights. Her presence adds another dimension to an offense that needed more punch in last year’s national championship run.
With Latson now in the fold, the Gamecocks not only have a proven scorer but also a leader capable of setting the tone. Her transition into the SEC also shifts the balance of power within the league, positioning South Carolina as an early favorite to make another Final Four push — and potentially capture a national championship.
“We feel really fortunate to have Ta’Niya,” Staley said. “She’s the kind of player that doesn’t just fit in — she changes the way we can play.”
As preseason practices continue, one thing is clear: Ta’Niya Latson brings more than buckets to South Carolina. She brings maturity, versatility, and championship-level expectations
