On Tuesday, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley posted her customary “A birdie just flew in the nest” message on social media. Every Gamecock fan knew that meant the Gamecocks just landed a commitment. A short time later, the pledge revealed herself. Former Florida State Seminoles guard Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer this season, committed to South Carolina out of the transfer portal.

Most consider Latson to be one of the top players from the portal this cycle. The 5-8 guard is a dynamic player with the ball in her hands who can score at all three levels. This season, she averaged 25.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. She also shot 45.1% from the field, 34.3% from the 3-point arc, and 81.8% from the free throw line. This year was her third in a row averaging at least 20 points per game.

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Despite not having joined the team yet, Latson already has strong relationships with several Gamecocks. She and Raven Johnson go way back, and she has connections with MiLaysia Fulwiley, Ashlyn Watkins, and Joyce Edwards, as well. She also spent some of her high school AAU days playing with former South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso.

Though the Gamecocks had a good year offensively during the 2024-2025 season, against tough defenses, they struggled at times to put the ball in the basket. Adding a player like Latson gives South Carolina a go-get-a-bucket player who can make things happen against any defense.

Based on Coach Staley’s comments recently about the transfer portal, Latson’s commitment likely won’t be the last. The Gamecocks have multiple available scholarship spots they can use. USC would like to add at least one big, as well.