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
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
