Future Hall of Famer Calls South Carolina Women's Basketball Product "Biggest Steal" of WNBA Draft Ta’Niya Latson, a standout player for the South Carolina women’s basketball team, was selected in the second round of the WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks with the No. 20 overall pick. While the selection was lower than many had anticipated, the move has sparked optimism among fans and analysts, particularly following praise from a future Hall of Famer who joined the Sparks’ organization. Nneka Ogwumike, a 10-time All-Star and former member of the Sparks, highlighted Latson’s potential during a press conference, calling her “the biggest steal” of the draft. Ogwumike emphasized Latson’s competitive drive, maturity, and ability to elevate her game, noting that these traits align with the qualities of a future star. Latson’s selection came as a surprise to many, including herself. During her introductory press conference with the Sparks, she admitted to being “shocked” by the late pick. However, she quickly shifted her focus to the opportunity to join the team. “It’s about fit, I feel like. Fit over pick,” she said, expressing her commitment to the Sparks despite the unexpected outcome. Her determination to prove herself mirrors the expectations she faced during her college career. The 2024 season marked a significant turning point for Latson. After transferring from the Florida State Seminoles, she joined South Carolina under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley. The move allowed her to refine her all-around game, particularly as a defender, while also improving her offensive efficiency. At South Carolina, Latson averaged 14.1 points per game, shooting 48.6% from the field, 32.5% from three-point range, and 80.3% from the free-throw line.#dawn_staley #los_angeles_sparks #nneka_ogwumike #south_carolina_womens_basketball #ta_niya_latson
Gamecocks Have Three Players Selected in WNBA Draft NEW YORK — The WNBA draft on April 13 marked a significant milestone for the University of South Carolina as three Gamecocks were selected, continuing the program’s legacy of producing top-tier talent. Raven Johnson, Madina Okot, and Ta’Niya Latson each secured spots in the league, with Johnson and Okot drafted in the first round and Latson in the second. The selections underscored South Carolina’s growing influence in women’s basketball, with the trio joining a roster of former Gamecocks already making waves in the professional league. Raven Johnson, the 10th overall pick, will join Indiana’s roster, where she will reunite with former USC teammate Aliyah Boston and Ty Harris, who recently signed with the Fever. Johnson’s journey to the WNBA was defined by resilience and determination. After a challenging freshman season limited to just two games due to a knee injury, she emerged as one of the Gamecocks’ most beloved players. Her senior year saw her lead South Carolina to a third consecutive national championship game and a sixth straight Final Four, a streak that spanned her entire college career. Johnson’s performance in the 2024 national championship game against Caitlin Clark’s Iowa team was particularly memorable. Despite a prior rivalry—highlighted by Clark’s dismissive gesture during the 2023 Final Four—Johnson overcame the mental hurdle, securing a game-clinching layup in the second quarter to help USC advance. Indiana’s decision to draft Johnson was strategic, as she will complement Caitlin Clark, the league’s star point guard. The two players had a contentious history, with Clark’s dominance in their 2023 matchup lingering as a challenge for Johnson.#dawn_staley #indiana_fever #university_of_south_carolina #wnba_draft #raven_johnson
Indiana Fever Select Raven Johnson in First Round of 2026 WNBA Draft The Indiana Fever officially selected South Carolina guard Raven Johnson with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, marking a strategic move to bolster their roster with a versatile and experienced point guard. Johnson, a 5-foot-9 player, concluded her collegiate career at South Carolina with a 145-9 record, showcasing her leadership and skill across multiple levels of competition. Her selection highlights the Fever’s focus on acquiring a defensive anchor capable of making an immediate impact in the league. Johnson’s collegiate performance was standout, as she averaged 9.9 points, 5.1 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game during her senior season. Her ability to control the tempo of the game and elevate her team’s defense earned her the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award. Her shooting efficiency further underscores her value, with a 48.6% field goal percentage, 39.8% three-point accuracy, and an impressive 82% free-throw shooting rate. These numbers reflect her reliability in high-pressure situations, a trait that aligns with the Fever’s need for a player who can thrive in critical moments. Fever head coach Stephanie White praised Johnson’s readiness for the WNBA, emphasizing her experience in big-game scenarios. “She’s a winner,” White said during a press conference at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. “She’s won at every level, set the tone at every level. She’s immediately ready on the defensive end, which is something we need. She’s been a true point guard, and she’s experienced in big game moments.” White’s comments underscore the Fever’s belief that Johnson’s defensive versatility and playmaking ability will complement their existing roster.#south_carolina #dawn_staley #indiana_fever #raven_johnson #stephanie_white
Decision Made on Gamecocks Basketball Standout Madina Okot South Carolina’s Madina Okot will head to the WNBA after the NCAA denied her appeal for an extra year of eligibility. The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13, marking the end of her collegiate career with the Gamecocks. Okot, who played her final game for the team, has decided to pursue professional basketball without the possibility of an additional season at the NCAA level. The NCAA’s decision came after Okot’s team, the South Carolina Gamecocks, submitted an appeal arguing that her two years at a university in her native Kenya should not count toward NCAA eligibility rules due to the significant difference in competition levels. Coach Dawn Staley, who has been vocal about the appeal process throughout the season, confirmed that the NCAA had been reviewing the case. However, the outcome was ultimately unfavorable, leaving Okot with no choice but to declare for the WNBA draft. Okot had to make her decision within 48 hours of her final game, which was a national championship loss to UCLA. Once she received the NCAA’s response, appealing further or pursuing legal action was deemed impractical, as the decision could have been overturned again, leaving her without a viable path to play in 2026. With the WNBA draft approaching, Okot’s move to the professional league was inevitable. Staley praised Okot’s contributions to the team and her personal journey, stating, “Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue the sport, but also to better her life. Her path included just a short time with us in Columbia, but we are grateful to be part of her story. She made our team and our sport better.” The coach also highlighted Okot’s impact on the program, noting her leadership and skill set.#south_carolina_gamecocks #ncaa #dawn_staley #madina_okot #wnba_draft
NCAA Confirms Conclusion of Okot Eligibility – University of South Carolina Athletics The NCAA has officially concluded that Madina Okot, a senior center for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, has exhausted her collegiate eligibility. The decision follows the denial of a season of competition waiver submitted by the team, marking the end of Okot’s NCAA career. The ruling underscores the conclusion of her time as a student-athlete, despite her significant contributions to the program. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley reflected on Okot’s impact during her brief tenure with the team, highlighting her determination and growth. “Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue just the sport, but also to better her life,” Staley said. “Her path included just a short time with us in Columbia, but we are grateful to be part of her story. She made our team and our sport better.” Staley’s comments emphasize the respect the coaching staff holds for Okot’s journey, even as her eligibility came to an end. Okot’s two seasons at South Carolina were marked by exceptional performance, establishing her as one of the top centers in the nation. During the 2025-2026 season, she ranked third nationally in double-doubles, tallying 22 such games. Her rebounding averages placed her 16th in the country at 10.6 per game, while her field goal percentage of .575 ranked her 19th nationally. These numbers reflect her ability to dominate the paint and contribute consistently to the Gamecocks’ success. Okot’s accolades extended beyond individual statistics. She was named to the All-SEC Second Team, a testament to her impact on the conference level. Her rebounding prowess was particularly notable, as she became the Gamecocks’ top rebounder in 29 of her 39 games played.#ncaa #dawn_staley #gamecocks #university_of_south_carolina #madina_okot
NCAA Women's Tournament Final: South Carolina and UCLA Clash for Championship Title The NCAA women’s basketball tournament reached its pinnacle as No. 1 seed UCLA faced No. 1 seed South Carolina in the championship game, a matchup that promised to determine the season’s top team. The Gamecocks, led by coach Dawn Staley, sought their fourth national title under her leadership, while the Bruins, making their first title game appearance, aimed to end a 16-year championship drought. The game, broadcast live, carried significant weight for both programs, with Staley and UCLA coach Cori Close reflecting on their journeys to the final. From the opening moments, the physicality of the contest was evident. UCLA’s star center, Lauren Betts, found herself challenged by South Carolina’s Madina Okot, who aggressively contested her positioning. Officials’ calls would play a critical role in shaping the game’s flow, as Okot’s foul trouble could disrupt South Carolina’s defensive strategy. The early minutes set the tone for a tightly contested battle, with both teams showcasing their depth and resilience. For UCLA, the path to the championship was marked by a blend of experience and youthful energy. Coach Close, who had guided the Bruins to the Final Four for the second consecutive year, relied on a core of seven players, six of whom were seniors or graduate students. The team’s senior leadership, led by Betts, was complemented by the presence of Betts’ younger sister, Sienna, a freshman making her debut in the tournament. Betts expressed pride in Sienna’s ability to carry the legacy of the program, stating, “I can’t wait to see how she continues this legacy at UCLA. I’m just so proud of her.” The Final Four field highlighted the growing presence of women coaches in the sport.#ucla #south_carolina #dawn_staley #ncaa_womens_tournament #cori_close
South Carolina dominates Southern in NCAA tournament opener with historic margin No. 1 seed South Carolina delivered a crushing 103-34 victory over 16th-seeded Southern in its NCAA tournament opener, marking the Gamecocks’ 17th consecutive home win in the women’s tournament. Joyce Edwards led the charge with 27 points and eight rebounds, showcasing her dominance as the team surged to a 15-0 start and never allowed Southern to mount a threat. The Gamecocks, ranked third in the nation, extended their Colonial Life Arena dominance to 83-1 over the past five seasons, while Southern, the Southwestern Athletic Conference champions, struggled to contain the high-powered attack. Edwards’ performance was a masterclass in efficiency, hitting 11 of 14 field goals and dominating the paint. Her ability to create space for teammates was evident in a highlight-reel play in the second half, where Ta’Niya Latson forced a turnover near midcourt, flipped the ball behind her back to Edwards, and the freshman converted an easy layup as the crowd erupted. “We missed being here. We hadn’t been here in a while,” said coach Dawn Staley, emphasizing the team’s focus on playing with joy and intensity. The Gamecocks’ dominance was immediate, opening the game with a 15-0 run and building a 25-point lead by halftime. South Carolina outscored Southern 32-2 in the third quarter, cementing its control. Edwards acknowledged the team’s initial rust after a two-week layoff following the Southeastern Conference tournament, but the squad quickly adjusted, hitting key shots and executing plays with precision. “As a team, we got together and started hitting shots,” Edwards said, highlighting the team’s resilience.#south_carolina #dawn_staley #southwestern_athletic_conference #joyce_edwards #ta_niya_latson
South Carolina women's basketball will face Southern Cal in the second round of the Women's NCAA Tournament on March 23. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN, according to the program's announcement. The No. 1 seed Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley, defeated the No. 16 seed Southern 103-34 in their first-round matchup on March 21. The No. 9 Trojans, who advanced after a 71-67 overtime victory over No. 8 Clemson, will now face South Carolina in the Sacramento 4 Regional. A win on March 23 would position the Gamecocks to compete for the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and ultimately a spot in the Final Four in Phoenix. The matchup marks the second meeting between the teams this season, following a November 15 game where South Carolina prevailed 69-52. JuJu Watkins, the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2024 from Los Angeles, had narrowed her college choice to Southern Cal and South Carolina before ultimately selecting the latter. In her first two seasons, Watkins emerged as one of the nation’s top scorers, averaging 27.1 points as a freshman and 23.9 as a sophomore. However, her season was interrupted by a significant injury—she tore her ACL in a second-round March Madness game exactly one year prior. Despite being in Columbia with her team, Watkins will not play in the upcoming matchup. The injury occurred shortly before Southern Cal and South Carolina announced a bicoastal series of games for 2025 and 2026, titled “The Real SC.” The first game in the series took place in Los Angeles in November, and the second is set for November 15, 2026, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville. This scheduling highlights the growing rivalry between the two programs, even as they remain on opposite sides of the bracket in the current tournament.#dawn_staley #bon_secours_wellness_arena #south_carolina_womens_basketball #southern_cal #juju_watkins
Dawn Staley honors HBCU program with gesture before NCAA Tournament clash Southern University secured its second NCAA Tournament victory in history on Thursday, and the historic HBCU institution received a heartfelt gesture from South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley. The Hall of Fame coach, known for her advocacy for HBCU programs, took the time to personally acknowledge the Jaguars’ success before their matchup against South Carolina. Staley visited Southern University’s hotel in Columbia, South Carolina, where the team was staying ahead of their game against Samford. The Jaguars had just defeated Samford 65-58 in the NCAA Tournament First Four, and Staley’s appearance was a surprise to the players. Southern guard Demonnie Lagway shared her thoughts on the visit, emphasizing the significance of the moment. “She gave us our respect. She respects us and gave us our props — our credit,” Lagway said. Staley’s presence at the game further underscored her support for the HBCU program. She and her team watched from the stands as Southern University played, a gesture that resonated deeply with the players. Lagway expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It feels good, it feels great. They’re our next opponent, so them being there to watch us felt good.” The respect extended beyond the game. After Southern University’s victory, Staley presented the team with a gift—a perfume—during a private moment in the team’s backroom. The players were told the gift’s origin, which sparked an emotional and enthusiastic reaction. The moment highlighted Staley’s commitment to elevating HBCU programs, a theme that has defined her career. For Southern University, the gesture was more than a token of appreciation. It symbolized recognition of the program’s growing presence in collegiate basketball.#ncaa_tournament #dawn_staley #southern_university #hbcu_program #demonnie_lagway
Dawn Staley's Impact on Southern: A Hug and a Perfume COLUMBIA — Competitiveness and respect often go hand in hand, as demonstrated by the Southern and South Carolina women’s basketball teams during their NCAA Tournament matchup. The No. 1 seed Gamecocks (31-3) will face the No. 16 seed Jaguars (20-13) on March 21, but the encounter was marked by mutual admiration rather than rivalry. Southern, an HBCU located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, had already secured a First Four victory against Samford on March 19, and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley took the opportunity to connect with both teams during her visit to Columbia. Staley, a three-time NCAA Tournament champion and a staple of March Madness since 2012, made an impression on Southern players with a gesture that went beyond the basketball court. After meeting with the Jaguars, she noticed that several Southern players had commented on her distinctive scent. To honor their praise, Staley gifted the entire team samples of her signature Louis Vuitton perfume. Southern guard Jocelyn Tate recalled the moment, noting that the room seemed to fill with Staley’s fragrance. “As soon as she got in the room, I want to say the whole room smelled like Dawn,” Tate said. “All of my teammates just kind of noticed that so we told her.” The players’ enthusiasm for Staley’s presence extended beyond the perfume. Southern guard D’Shantae Edwards shared how she found herself hugging Staley repeatedly, drawn to her scent and the warmth of the interaction. “I was hugging her so much,” Edwards said. “I just kept smelling it. I kept going back for more hugs, too. I was like wow, she smells really good.” Staley’s influence on Southern extended beyond the game.#south_carolina #dawn_staley #louis_vuitton #southern #hbcu
Texas Claims First Women's SEC Tournament Title with Dominant Win Over South Carolina The Texas Longhorns secured their first women’s SEC tournament championship with a decisive 78-61 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday. The game, played in Greenville, South Carolina, saw Texas take control early, building a 14-0 lead within the first five minutes and never allowing the Gamecocks to reclaim the momentum. The Longhorns’ dominance extended throughout the contest, with their lead never dropping below double digits as they claimed the title. South Carolina, the three-time defending SEC tournament champion, faced its most significant defeat in the tournament’s history. The Gamecocks, who had dominated the conference for the past three years, struggled to respond to Texas’ early aggression. Coach Vic Schaefer’s team, ranked No. 4, showcased resilience and precision, with standout performances from key players. Tournament MVP Madison Booker led the charge, scoring 18 points and averaging 20 points on 61% shooting across the tournament. Booker’s second-half contribution of 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting underscored Texas’ ability to maintain its intensity. The victory marked a historic moment for Texas, as Schaefer became the first coach to win a women’s SEC tournament title at two different schools. His previous success with Mississippi State in 2019 now joins this milestone, highlighting his impact on the program. Schaefer emphasized the team’s focus on toughness and resilience, noting that Texas’ early dominance set the tone for the entire game. “We belong in the SEC,” Booker said, reflecting the team’s confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level. South Carolina’s coach, Dawn Staley, acknowledged the challenge of overcoming Texas’ early lead.#south_carolina_gamecocks #texas_longhorns #vic_schaefer #madison_booker #dawn_staley
