Since arriving at South Carolina, Dawn Staley has built a strong track record of developing transfer guards into stars. From Valerie Nainima to Kaela Davis, Allisha Gray, Kierra Fletcher, and Te-Hina Paopao, her transfers have become champions and pros. Still, none have brought quite the dynamic talent of Ta’Niya Latson.

Since arriving at South Carolina, Dawn Staley has built a strong track record of developing transfer guards into stars. From Valerie Nainima to Kaela Davis, Allisha Gray, Kierra Fletcher, and Te-Hina Paopao, her transfers have become champions and pros. Still, none have brought quite the dynamic talent of Ta’Niya Latson.

Latson captured a high school national title alongside Raven Johnson in 2021 before launching her college career at Florida State the following year. She quickly emerged as a star, averaging 21.3 points and earning national Freshman of the Year honors. She then led the ACC in scoring as a sophomore and paced the nation with 25.2 points last season.

However, Latson grew weary of competing in front of sparse crowds and making early exits from the NCAA Tournament. She longed for the opportunity to shine on a bigger stage, contend for championships, and further elevate her game in preparation for a future career in the WNBA.

Latson holds no resentment toward Florida State she simply recognizes the reality of her situation. At 5-foot-8, she understands that to catch the attention of WNBA scouts, she must evolve beyond being just a prolific scorer.

“She does things extremely well from an offensive standpoint; she can score the basketball,” Staley said. “So we’re challenging her to, first, get mentally tougher and to work on areas she might not have focused on at Florida State because the scoring load was so heavy. When that happens, you don’t always develop the other skills you need to reach the next level. It’s no one’s fault  it’s just how it goes.”

Staley credited Florida State head coach Brooke Wyckoff for helping Latson grow beyond being a pure scorer. Last season, Latson averaged 4.6 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game while playing alongside talented teammates such as Makayla Timpson and O’Mariah Gordon.

Still, her primary role with the Seminoles was to score  that was Florida State’s best formula for winning. Now, under Staley’s guidance, the focus has shifted. The South Carolina coach is working to expand Latson’s all-around game, helping her refine the other facets that can make her an elite, complete player at the next level.

“She’s challenging me on both ends of the floor, both defensively and offensively, just seeing things that I normally didn’t see at Florida State. Just continuing to grow my game and be the best player that I can be going into the draft.”

South Carolina’s coaching staff didn’t hold back with Latson over the summer. With only one season to maximize her potential, they pushed her hard from the start.

“It’s so new,” Staley explained. “She’s like a freshman to us. Her toughest moments will come in practice. Game days will be natural just play. Don’t overthink it. Use practice to think and learn, but when it’s time to compete, just do what comes naturally.”

So far, so good.

“I think what she’s been able to do since June until now is remarkable,” Staley said. “I do see progress. She probably feels like it’s a heavy load, and that’s normal. But at the same time, she’s going to fly around for us once the season starts.”

Latson’s biggest challenge is learning when to take over and when to let the game flow through her teammates. She has the ability to dominate offensively, but doing so too often could disrupt the team’s rhythm. Yet if she holds back too much, she won’t be playing to her strengths.

Staley drew a comparison to Joyce Edwards’ development last season. Edwards was able to find balance in her role, contributing without feeling pressured to do everything. That approach paid off, earning her first-team All-SEC honors. Staley hopes Latson can follow a similar path learning to blend her scoring talent with team chemistry to reach her full potential.

“Joyce was able to just be Joyce and not feel the extra pressure of performing at a high level because she was playing with so many other great players,” she said. “It’s the same with Ta’Niya. Ta’Niya’s going to play with other great players. Is she going to be able to score 20 tonight? Yeah, probably. But she also has to learn to protect that as well. Pass out, right?”

Last season, Latson earned second-team All-America honors, but entering this year, she was voted only second-team All-SEC. That drop in recognition highlights the limited respect she and Florida State received nationally and it further explains her decision to transfer. At South Carolina, she wants to prove she belongs among the nation’s elite.

“Just the history of the program,” Latson said. “Playing with Raven Johnson and Joyce Edwards — I played with both of them in high school, so it feels familiar. And getting to play under Coach Staley is one of the best opportunities a player could ask for. I’m just looking to grow and become the best version of myself.”

Latson and the Gamecocks will make their first public appearance on Tuesday, October 21, at GarNET & Black Madness. Their season begins shortly after with an exhibition game against Anderson on Friday, October 24.