Following their crushing 82-59 championship game defeat to UConn, Dawn Staley orchestrated a masterful transfer portal response. The Gamecocks landed two elite additions: nation’s leading scorer Ta’Niya Latson from Florida State and dominant center Madina Okot from Mississippi State.
These strategic acquisitions directly address South Carolina’s most glaring weaknesses exposed in the title game. While MiLaysia Fulwiley’s departure to LSU created headlines, Staley’s calculated moves position the Gamecocks as potential championship contenders for 2025-26.
The Elite Scorer vs. The Interior Anchor
Latson emerges as the overwhelming favorite to become South Carolina’s breakout star. The 5’8″ guard’s historic 25.2 points per game led the entire nation, establishing her as the most prolific scorer to ever join Staley’s program.
Latson’s offensive versatility proved devastating throughout her Florida State career, recording 25 games with at least 20 points last season. Her seven 30-point performances included a career-high 40 points against Virginia Tech, showcasing the explosive scoring capability South Carolina desperately needed.
Ta’Niya Latson officially here in Columbia checking out the spring game with @GamecockWBB. Chloe Kitts, Raven Johnson, Maryam Dauda, Adhel Tac among other #Gamecocks on the sideline.@abc_columbia pic.twitter.com/mJ5SMP85bn
— Noah Chast (@NoahChastTV) April 19, 2025
Beyond pure scoring, Latson averaged 4.6 assists per game, demonstrating crucial playmaking skills. Staley praised this dual-threat ability, stating, “She has another superpower in her ability to set her teammates up to score, and that’s just a dangerous combination for opposing teams.”
Latson’s championship readiness becomes evident through her shooting efficiency, 45.3 percent from the field, while maintaining 84.2 percent accuracy from the free-throw line. This consistency at crucial moments makes her the prime candidate for immediate stardom.
Okot provides the perfect interior complement to Latson’s perimeter excellence. The 6’6″ center from Kenya brings immediate SEC experience after dominating Mississippi State’s frontcourt with 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
Okot’s rebounding prowess particularly impressed, averaging 10.1 rebounds in conference play while finishing fourth in the SEC overall. Her 64.9 percent field goal shooting ranked fourth nationally, demonstrating the efficient interior presence South Carolina lacked against UConn.
Staley emphasized Okot’s complete skill set, noting, “She has the ability to score, rebound, and defend, and her competitiveness and SEC experience are added bonuses.” This versatility addresses the size disadvantage that plagued the Gamecocks in their championship defeat.
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Okot’s international experience adds intriguing depth, having helped Kenya capture the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup Championship. Her 12 double-doubles and consistent shot blocking provide the defensive anchor South Carolina’s title hopes require.
The departure of Fulwiley to LSU actually simplifies Staley’s rotation decisions while creating clear backcourt roles. Latson’s established relationships with returning players through previous AAU connections should accelerate her integration into the system.
Multiple recruiting services rank Latson as the nation’s top transfer prospect, reflecting both her statistical dominance and championship potential. Her combination of proven elite production, immediate starting capability and clutch performance history positions her perfectly for breakout stardom in Columbia.
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