Ta’Niya Latson has her performance sailing and winning all over the college basketball scene. But Dawn Staley knows what’s real, what’s not.
According to the veteran coach, given Latson’s shaky debut against Michigan, her talent is WNBA-ready, but her mind is holding her back.
South Carolina’s coach sees a player loaded with versatility, having every box checked, whether in scoring, playmaking, or defending multiple positions. Yet, it might be the self-doubt and the weight of expectations that’s bothering her.
Dawn Staley Wants Ta’Niya Latson To Avoid Psychological Hurdles
While it sounds like a walk in the park, Latson’s arrival at South Carolina came with sky-high expectations after averaging 21.5 points at Florida State, but her debut against Michigan exposed cracks.
Dawn Staley pulled no punches, saying Latson is “in her own way” and battling psychological barriers that keep her from unleashing her full arsenal. Though some fans have disagreed with Staley on occasions, this one holds weight.
“In just a short time that she’s been with us, she increased her chances of being a pro because of what she’s doing on the defensive side of the ball. She’s really guarding and very efficient with us,” the coach said.
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Dawn Staley on transfer guard Ta'Niya Latson:
— Jared Parker (@jaredparkertv) September 22, 2025
"she's really coachable, she just wants to win."@wachfox @GamecockWBB pic.twitter.com/42E3quwmKa
While detailing her defensive bag, Staley mentioned, “that’s what (WNBA) teams are looking for. They actually know what she can do.” Rightfully, she very well knows what she can do.
But that comes with a fair share of mental pressure.
“Just expanding her game in that way. We’re talking to her about that because it does play a psychological effect when you’re used to scoring a whole lot of points,” Staley added.
For Latson, projected as a top-10 pick in 2026 mocks, overcoming this now could cement her as South Carolina’s next great guard and a future WNBA force. Maybe.
Dawn Staley Acknowledges Ta’Niya Latson Needs Time To Unlock Full Potential
Dawn Staley extended grace to both Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot, acknowledging the adjustment period after their transfers.
“I think she’s being Ta’Niya Latson. She’s going to get better, and she knows what she needs to work on,” she said.
Latson, in particular, brings a scorer’s mentality that Staley believes can flourish with time and trust. Her debut struggles, added with inefficient shooting and tentative play, mirror the growing pains Staley expects from high-level transfers.
Okot, another newcomer, faces similar integration challenges, but Staley has high hopes for their long-term fit.