Columbia, SC — South Carolina women’s basketball’s pipeline to professional excellence continues flowing as three current Gamecocks have been projected as first-round selections in the expanded WNBA Draft, according to analysis by Frimpong for the Daily News.
Senior guard Ta’Niya Latson leads the South Carolina trio at No. 6 to the Toronto Tempo, with center Madina Okot projected at No. 10 to the Indiana Fever, and guard Raven Johnson rounding out the group at No. 13 to the Atlanta Dream. The projections underscore Dawn Staley’s continued success in developing championship-level college players into professional prospects.
Ta’Niya Latson: Top-10 Projection
The highest-projected Gamecock, Latson’s No. 6 slot to Toronto’s expansion franchise reflects her exceptional senior season production and professional-ready skill set.
2024-25 Performance: Despite missing recent games with an ankle injury, Latson has been South Carolina’s second-leading scorer, averaging 16.9 points, 4.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals while shooting career-best percentages of 51.9% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range.
Professional Appeal: Latson’s efficient scoring from all three levels, improved three-point shooting, and secondary playmaking abilities make her an attractive prospect for WNBA teams seeking versatile backcourt players. Her ability to create her own shot while also functioning within team systems demonstrates the basketball IQ and adaptability that professional teams value.
Toronto Tempo Fit: As an expansion franchise beginning play in the 2026 season, Toronto represents an ideal landing spot for Latson. Expansion teams typically prioritize proven scorers and experienced players who can contribute immediately while building organizational culture. Latson’s combination of scoring punch, veteran college experience, and multi-positional guard capabilities would make her a foundational piece for the Tempo’s inaugural roster.
Madina Okot: Late Lottery Pick
Okot’s projection at No. 10 to Indiana validates her breakout season as one of the nation’s most productive centers.
2024-25 Dominance: The starting center has recorded 10+ double-doubles this season, consistently controlling the paint on both ends. Her 18-point, 13-rebound performance against Providence exemplified the interior dominance that has defined her campaign.
Professional Profile: Okot’s combination of size, rebounding ability, efficient interior scoring, and defensive presence addresses critical needs for WNBA teams. Professional basketball increasingly values centers who can protect the rim, control the glass, and provide reliable low-post scoring—all areas where Okot excels.
Indiana Fever Connection: The projection to Indiana carries special significance given the Fever’s recent selection of South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston as the No. 1 overall pick in 2023. Boston’s immediate success—earning WNBA Rookie of the Year and All-Star honors—demonstrates Indiana’s appreciation for South Carolina-developed post players. Pairing Okot with Boston would create a formidable frontcourt tandem of Gamecock alumni, providing familiarity and complementary skill sets.
The Fever’s organizational knowledge of South Carolina’s player development system and Dawn Staley’s coaching principles would ease Okot’s professional transition, as Indiana already understands how to maximize South Carolina post players’ abilities.
Raven Johnson: Mid-First-Round Selection
Johnson’s projection at No. 13 to Atlanta recognizes her elite floor general skills and defensive prowess despite modest scoring averages.
2024-25 Leadership: As South Carolina’s starting point guard, Johnson orchestrates the offense, provides veteran leadership, and sets the defensive tone. Her 10 points and six assists against Providence demonstrated her well-rounded contributions, while her expanded responsibilities during Ta’Niya Latson’s injury showcased her ability to shoulder increased playmaking burdens.
Professional Value: WNBA teams increasingly value pure point guards who prioritize facilitating over scoring, make smart decisions, and defend at a high level. Johnson’s basketball IQ, low turnover rate, and ability to run complex offensive systems make her an attractive prospect for teams seeking steady floor leadership.
Atlanta Dream Fit: The Dream would benefit from Johnson’s point guard skills and championship pedigree. Her ability to manage games, make teammates better, and defend multiple positions addresses needs for a franchise building competitive foundations. Johnson’s experience playing in pressure situations and executing in crucial moments—skills honed during South Carolina’s championship pursuits—translates directly to professional success.
The Expanded First Round Context
These projections benefit from the WNBA’s expanded first round, which creates additional opportunities for quality college players to secure guaranteed contracts and organizational commitment.
Traditional vs. Expanded: In previous drafts with standard first-round formats, some of these players might have been second-round selections or borderline first-rounders. The expansion provides greater security and developmental resources to more prospects.
Guaranteed Contracts: First-round status ensures guaranteed contracts with higher salaries than second-round picks, providing financial stability and demonstrating organizational investment in player development.
South Carolina’s Professional Pipeline Strengthens
Having three projected first-rounders from a single roster reinforces South Carolina’s reputation as an elite WNBA development program:
Historical Context: This continues a remarkable stretch of professional player production following A’ja Wilson (2018, #1 overall) and Aliyah Boston (2023, #1 overall), along with numerous other WNBA contributors.
Recruiting Impact: Elite high school prospects evaluating colleges see concrete evidence that South Carolina maximizes professional potential, providing a powerful advantage in recruiting battles.
Development Validation: The diversity of the three projections—a scoring guard, dominant center, and facilitating point guard—demonstrates that South Carolina develops all player types effectively, not just one position or skill set.
Dawn Staley’s Development Model
These projections validate Staley’s comprehensive approach to player development:
Positional Versatility: All three players can contribute in multiple ways, reflecting Staley’s emphasis on developing complete players rather than one-dimensional specialists.
Championship Culture: Experience competing for national titles and playing in high-pressure games prepares players for professional demands.
Professional Habits: South Carolina players develop work ethic, preparation standards, and mental approaches that translate seamlessly to the WNBA.
Implications for Current Season
The professional projections create interesting dynamics for South Carolina’s championship pursuit:
Motivation: Players with first-round projections have additional incentive to perform consistently in high-visibility games that scouts attend.
Team Chemistry: Despite individual professional aspirations, all three have demonstrated commitment to team success over personal statistics.
Leadership: As upperclassmen with professional futures secure, they can focus on mentoring younger teammates and pursuing championships without desperation about draft positioning.
The Injury Factor: Latson’s Ankle
Latson’s current ankle injury adds uncertainty to her draft positioning. While projections currently place her at No. 6, her availability for the remainder of the season and potential recovery timeline could impact final evaluations.
Best-Case Scenario: Quick return demonstrates durability and maintains current projection level.
Moderate Concern: Extended absence but full recovery allows thorough pre-draft evaluation without long-term concerns.
Worst-Case: Lingering issues or compromised performance upon return could lower draft stock, though her established production provides cushion against dramatic drops.
Looking Ahead: Draft Decisions
All three players face decisions about draft entry timing:
Latson: As a senior with established production and top-10 projection, entering the draft appears highly likely.
Okot: Eligibility questions remain regarding potential additional year. If available, the decision between lottery pick money now versus potential stock improvement with another year creates interesting calculus.
Johnson: Similarly must evaluate current first-round projection against potential improvement with additional development time.
These decisions typically involve feedback from professional scouts, family input, financial considerations, and personal goals beyond basketball.
Conclusion
The Daily News projection of Ta’Niya Latson (No. 6), Madina Okot (No. 10), and Raven Johnson (No. 13) as first-round WNBA Draft selections represents remarkable achievement for both the players and South Carolina’s program.
For Latson, Okot, and Johnson, these projections validate years of development and position them for professional careers with financial security and organizational support. For South Carolina, having three first-rounders reinforces the program’s elite status and provides powerful evidence of Dawn Staley’s player development excellence.
As the season continues and these players pursue SEC and national championships, their draft stock will fluctuate based on performance, health, and how they handle pressure situations. But the foundation is established—all three have demonstrated professional-caliber abilities that position them for successful WNBA careers.
The South Carolina-to-WNBA pipeline flows strong, continuing the tradition of excellence that defines one of women’s college basketball’s premier programs.
