South Carolina women’s basketball continues to showcase its elite talent on the national stage, with stars Joyce Edwards and Ta’Niya Latson earning recognition on the late-season watch list for the Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year. The Atlanta Tipoff Club made the announcement Tuesday, highlighting both Gamecocks among 30 of the nation’s top players.
This marks the final watch list update before the award process intensifies. Ten semifinalists will be unveiled on March 19, followed by the announcement of four finalists the following week. The prestigious Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year trophy will ultimately be awarded on April 1.
Elite Company
Edwards and Latson join exclusive company as one of just seven pairs of teammates to make the cut. The Gamecocks share this distinction with powerhouse programs across the country: Oklahoma’s Aaliyah Chavez and Raegan Beers, UConn’s Azi Fudd and Sarah Strong, Texas’ Rori Harmon and Madison Booker, UCLA’s Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice, LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, and Michigan’s Syla Swords and Olivia Olson.
The recognition underscores South Carolina’s depth and the individual excellence driving the team’s dominant 2025-2026 campaign.
Edwards’ Breakout Sophomore Season
For Joyce Edwards, this season represents a quantum leap from her freshman year. The sophomore has emerged as one of the most dynamic two-way players in college basketball, posting jaw-dropping averages of 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Perhaps most impressive is her efficiency. Edwards is shooting 58.9% from the field, ranking third among qualified players in the SEC. Her scoring output has been historic by South Carolina standards, placing her among the best individual offensive seasons in program history.
Edwards’ versatility — the ability to score at an elite level while contributing across every statistical category — has made her a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses and a cornerstone of the Gamecocks’ title aspirations.
Latson Thriving in Columbia
Ta’Niya Latson arrived in Columbia as one of the most highly anticipated transfer portal additions in the country, and she has exceeded even lofty expectations. After three productive seasons at Florida State, the guard has elevated her game to new heights in her first year as a Gamecock.
Latson is averaging 15.1 points, 3.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game while displaying a well-rounded skill set that goes far beyond scoring. Her defensive intensity has notably improved, and her offensive efficiency has reached career-best levels.
The numbers tell the story: Latson is shooting 49.6% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range, both career highs. Her ability to create for herself and others while knocking down perimeter shots has given South Carolina another elite weapon in its loaded backcourt.
Award Season Momentum
Both Edwards and Latson have become fixtures on major award watch lists throughout the season, and their inclusion on the Naismith late-season list validates their standing among the nation’s elite. As South Carolina continues its push toward another SEC championship and deep NCAA Tournament run, the performances of these two stars will be critical.
With the semifinalist announcement just weeks away, Edwards and Latson will have plenty of opportunities to strengthen their cases. South Carolina’s remaining schedule includes high-profile matchups that will keep both players in the national spotlight as the Gamecocks chase banner No. 4 under Dawn Staley.
For now, the message is clear: South Carolina isn’t just fielding a championship-caliber team — it’s developing individual stars worthy of the sport’s highest honors.
