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
Ta’Niya Latson’s Vintage Hollywood-Inspired WNBA Draft Outfit Honors Black Glamour Icons South Carolina Gamecocks alum Ta’Niya Latson made a bold statement during the WNBA draft by embracing a vintage Hollywood-inspired ensemble that celebrated the legacy of Black glamour icons. The look, which she described as a deliberate departure from modern trends, drew comparisons to legendary figures like Josephine Baker, whose iconic hairstyle became a standout feature of Latson’s outfit. Fellow Gamecocks star Raven Johnson also adopted a similar aesthetic, highlighting the collective effort to honor Black cultural influence in the sports arena. Latson walked the WNBA draft’s orange carpet in a black-sequined NBD Janhvi Maxi Dress from Revolve, styled with black nylon gloves and patent leather pumps from Christian Louboutin. The sculpted curl of hair on her forehead, a direct nod to Josephine Baker’s signature style, was a focal point of her look. Accessories such as diamond earrings, a tennis necklace, and gold rings by Bondeye Jewelry, along with a clutch from Olga Berg, completed the ensemble. The outfit’s vintage elements, including the hair curl and accessories, were carefully chosen to reflect her admiration for Black icons. Latson explained her motivation for the look, stating, “I wanted to step out of the box and just give a classic look. I feel like people haven’t really given that in the draft in recent past years. So, I just wanted to be a little different and step outside of my comfort zone.” She emphasized her desire to celebrate Black glamour while making a personal statement at the event. Latson’s choice to embrace a classic Hollywood theme proved prophetic when she was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks with the 20th overall pick.#los_angeles_sparks #ta_niya_latson #raven_johnson #josephine_baker #nbd_janhvi_maxi_dress
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
