The New York Daily News released its initial 2026 WNBA Draft first-round projection this week, featuring three South Carolina players among the selections in the newly expanded opening round.
Ta’Niya Latson: Potential Top-10 Selection
Guard Ta’Niya Latson appears sixth overall in the Daily News projection, potentially joining expansion franchise Toronto Tempo. Currently managing an ankle injury, Latson posts 16.9 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per contest.
Analyst Fiifi Frimpong explained the Toronto connection, noting that the expansion teams—Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire—will conduct a coin flip to determine the sixth and seventh picks. With no existing roster, Frimpong suggests selecting “the best player available” makes strategic sense.
He highlighted Latson’s proven scoring prowess, noting she averaged over 21 points during each of her three Florida State seasons, including a Division I-leading 25.2 last year. Her current production continues that trend with 16.9 points alongside 3.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 steals through 14 games.
However, Frimpong cautioned that her “lower leg injury could impact her senior season and draft stock.”
Madina Okot: Interior Presence for Indiana
Center Madina Okot lands at No. 10 in the projection, potentially joining the Indiana Fever alongside former Gamecock stars Aliyah Boston and Bree Hall. The 6-foot-6 post player dominates inside with 15.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Despite South Carolina pursuing an additional eligibility year for Okot, her performance may warrant first-round consideration regardless.
Frimpong categorized Okot alongside other traditional centers with sufficient talent to succeed despite the league’s stylistic evolution. He identified Indiana as an ideal destination due to their offensive-focused roster composition.
“The Indiana Fever could benefit from defensive players to complement its rapid offense,” Frimpong wrote. “Okot helps provide that defense with her lane-clogging length.” He noted her 11.2 rebounding average through 13 appearances and team-leading 1.5 blocks per game, which ranks among conference leaders.
Raven Johnson: Homecoming Possibility
Redshirt senior guard Raven Johnson appears at No. 13, projected to the Atlanta Dream in what would constitute a hometown return. Johnson is experiencing her finest collegiate campaign, averaging 9.0 points, 6.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. An Atlanta selection would reunite her with former South Carolina teammate Te-Hina Paopao and All-Star Allisha Gray.
Frimpong acknowledged that mid-first-round selections for playoff teams typically receive limited immediate playing time, particularly if Atlanta’s roster remains largely intact through free agency. However, he questioned: “why not take a two-way, Dawn-Staley product?”
He emphasized Johnson’s experience as a “two-time NCAA champion and fifth-year senior,” describing her as a “seasoned prospect.” Given Atlanta’s franchise-record 30-14 regular season under first-year coach Karl Smesko, built substantially on improved defense, Frimpong suggested “Johnson’s willingness on defense could find her some minutes in Smesko’s rotation.”
The projection represents the first comprehensive look at the 2026 draft class, with South Carolina’s trio demonstrating the program’s continued pipeline to professional basketball’s highest level.
