ESPN Report: Ta’Niya Latson, Nation’s Leading Scorer (49% FG, 43% 3PT), Commits to South Carolina! Dawn Staley Finds MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Perfect Replacement After Latson Drops 30 in Win Over Miami — Fulwiley Replacement?
**Ta’Niya Latson, Nation’s Leading Scorer (49% FG, 43% 3PT), Commits to South Carolina! Dawn Staley Finds MiLaysia Fulwiley’s Perfect Replacement After Latson Drops 30 in Win Over Miami — Fulwiley Replacement?**
In a move that sends shockwaves through women’s college basketball, Ta’Niya Latson—the NCAA’s most lethal scorer—has officially committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Florida State transfer, who led the nation in scoring while shooting a blistering 49% from the field and 43% from three-point range, announced her decision just days after torching Miami for 30 points in a statement performance. For head coach Dawn Staley, this isn’t just another addition; it’s a strategic masterstroke. With star guard MiLaysia Fulwiley departing, Latson doesn’t just fill the void—she might elevate South Carolina’s offense to uncharted heights.
Latson’s commitment solidifies the Gamecocks as the early favorite to cut down the nets in 2025. Her scoring prowess is unmatched: a three-level bucket-getter with deep range, a lethal mid-range pull-up, and the ability to finish through contact at the rim. What makes her even more dangerous is her efficiency. Most volume scorers see their percentages dip as defensive attention intensifies, but Latson thrives under pressure. Her 43% clip from beyond the arc isn’t just good—it’s elite, placing her among the best shooters in the country regardless of position.
The timing of her commitment couldn’t be more symbolic. Just days before announcing her decision, Latson put on a show against Miami, dropping 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting while adding three rebounds and two assists. It was a performance that underscored why Staley pursued her so aggressively. With Fulwiley’s explosive playmaking now in the WNBA, South Carolina needed a guard who could command double-teams, stretch defenses, and take over in crunch time. Latson checks every box—and then some.
For Staley, this is the latest proof of her unparalleled recruiting vision. She doesn’t just reload; she reinvents. When Aliyah Boston left, Kamilla Cardoso stepped up. When Zia Cooke graduated, Fulwiley emerged. Now, as Fulwiley transitions to the pros, Latson arrives as the next crown jewel in Staley’s backcourt. The Gamecocks’ system thrives on versatility, and Latson’s ability to play on or off the ball makes her a seamless fit. Pair her with returning floor general Raven Johnson, and South Carolina suddenly boasts the most dynamic backcourt in the nation.
But the implications run deeper than just X’s and O’s. Latson’s arrival sends a message to the rest of the sport: South Carolina isn’t just maintaining its dynasty—it’s evolving. Opponents already struggled to contain the Gamecocks’ size and depth. Now, they must also game-plan for the country’s most unstoppable scorer. Whether it’s UConn’s lockdown defenders, LSU’s high-powered offense, or Iowa’s perimeter firepower, no team has an obvious answer for Latson’s offensive arsenal.
The Fulwiley comparisons are inevitable. Both are electric scorers with deep bags of tricks, but Latson brings a different dimension. Where Fulwiley relied on her quickness and crafty finishes, Latson is a more polished shooter with a stronger frame, allowing her to bully smaller guards in the post. Defensively, she’s no slouch either, using her length to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. Staley’s system demands two-way effort, and Latson has shown she’s willing to lock in on that end.
For South Carolina fans, this feels like déjà vu in the best way. Every time a superstar departs, Staley unearths—or in this case, lures—another one. The Gamecocks’ culture, resources, and championship pedigree make them a magnet for elite talent, and Latson’s commitment reinforces that. Opponents hoping for a drop-off after Fulwiley’s exit will be sorely disappointed. If anything, South Carolina just got scarier.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Columbia. Can Latson replicate her historic scoring numbers in Staley’s system? Will her presence unlock even more opportunities for teammates like Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins? And most importantly—does this move guarantee another title for the Gamecocks? One thing is certain: Dawn Staley has done it again. The dynasty isn’t just alive; it’s thriving. And Ta’Niya Latson might be the final piece to secure South Carolina’s next championship.