Junior Florida State guard Ta’Niya Latson has already made her mark on college basketball. The Seminoles star has already put up eye-catching stats that put her on WNBA scouts’ radar. This includes being named to the All-ACC First Team, a Naismith Player of the Year semifinalist, and the MVP of the Paradise Jam.
Latson’s junior season saw a 40-point game against Virginia Tech, a triple-double against Gonzaga, and multiple 30-plus point outings. But with big games came big speculations. The loudest question being asked was, would she declare for the WNBA draft early?
Ta’Niya Latson Silences Doubts and Speculations
Despite being one of the best players on the hard courts in college basketball, Ta’Niya Latson has decided to not make the jump to the WNBA. Instead, she will be staying at FSU for another year to continue honing her skills. In a recent interview with ESPN, she took the questions head-on and silenced speculations.
“I feel like I still have room to grow & I’m in no rush…I want to get my degree and finish out the greatness that I’ve accomplished here at Florida State,” said Latson.
Now, this decision is not just about her career but about her education and personal development.
It is true that Latson’s departure would’ve been a big win for the WNBA. FSU head coach Brooke Wyckoff has witnessed her greatness since day one.
Wyckoff recalls first seeing Latson’s game footage when she was just a middle schooler living in Hawaii. Even in those days, her playing style stood out. However, the reason she has decided to stay is not her coach.
Ta’Niya Latson believes she still has a lot to learn at FSU. As Latson herself puts it, “I feel like I’m growing into my leadership role, and that’s been a big difference.”
This is evident when she gets on court with her teammates, O’Mariah Gordon and Makayla Timpson. The three have turned into some of the best offenses the program has ever seen. To add on, Latson has yet to achieve one goal—a national championship.
“That’s what I have to have left to accomplish.”
With FSU entering the NCAA Tournament as the No. 6 seed and a matchup against No. 11 seed George Mason, the road won’t be easy. However, Latson believes in her team. That’s why she’s ruled out leaving early for the WNBA.
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And for FSU, that is a big win. However, Wyckoff sees it as something more special.
As Wyckoff herself puts it, “To see somebody continue to exceed any expectation or vision is something so special that I’m just so glad to be a part of. It’s been such a fun ride.” And that ride isn’t over yet.
Ta’Niya Latson isn’t in a rush. She’s building something special at FSU, and when the time comes, she’ll step into the WNBA on her own terms.
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