Ta’Niya Latson taken by Los Angeles Sparks in 2026 WNBA Draft
South Carolina guard Ta’Niya Latson was selected by Los Angeles Sparks with the No. 20 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday night.
Latson was the third Gamecock selected in the draft, both Raven Johnson and Madina Okot were first-round picks. Latson’s slide to the second round comes as a bit of a surprise as she was a projected first round pick by several outlets.
“It’s just a surreal moment,” Latson said. “It’s a dream come true. LA is a great city. I love the culture that they have there. I’m excited to meet my coaches, my teammates. I’m just ready to get to work.”
Latson made an immediate impact during her lone season with South Carolina. She started in all 35 games she played in and averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
She had one of the most efficient years of her career with the Gamecocks. Latson averaged career-highs in field goal percentage (48.6%), effective field goal percentage (52.2%) and true shooting percentage (57.5%).
Latson’s play earned her an All-SEC second-team selection and an NCAA All-Tournament team nod. She was also a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year Award.
“I went to South Carolina to become a pro and get ready for the league,” Latson said. “I feel like I’m well-prepared.”
While Latson may have become more of a well-rounded player during her one season at South Carolina, thus boosting her draft stock, she first made her name at Florida State.
Latson played three seasons for the Seminoles and quickly cemented herself as a star. She was the ACC Rookie of the Year and put up 21.3 points per game at FSU. Latson was a three-time All-ACC selection and earned All-American honors in her junior season. That junior season (2024-25) was highlighted by Latson leading the nation with 25.2 points per game.
In total, Latson started in all 128 games she played during her college career. She averaged 20.2 points, four rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in that time.
“Obviously God wanted me here for a reason, and I’m going to take it in with everything that I have,” Latson said. “I know I can bring my ability to get downhill and score the ball...I’m a two-way player too, and I can bring a lot of other things to the table, and I’m a really good teammate. So I’m just excited. I’m ready to win.”
This story was originally published April 13, 2026 at 8:52 PM.
