COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Gamecocks Naismith Trophy 2025 buzz is alive and well after three of Dawn Staley’s stars — Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, and Joyce Edwards — were named among the 50 players on the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Women’s College Player of the Year Watch List, presented by AXIA Time. South Carolina joins an elite group as one of just five programs boasting at least three players on the preseason list, while the SEC dominates the field with 15 total honorees.
Raven Johnson: The Engine Behind the Dynasty
For three seasons, Raven Johnson has been the unshakable heartbeat of the Gamecocks’ dynasty. At point guard, she’s directed a remarkable 109–5 record, guiding South Carolina to three straight Final Four appearances, back-to-back national title games, and an unblemished 2024 national championship season.
Johnson’s vision and poise have defined her era. Her 410 career assists place her 10th in program history, while her 166 in SEC competition rank fifth. Perhaps most impressive is her ability to protect the ball — her 3.09 assist-to-turnover ratio in 2023–24 is the second-best single-season mark in Gamecock history. Every possession with Johnson feels like a masterclass in control, the floor pulsing with rhythm as she threads passes through collapsing defenses.
Ta’Niya Latson: The Scoring Sensation Finds a New Home
When Ta’Niya Latson transferred from Florida State, she didn’t just change jerseys — she added rocket fuel to an already stacked roster. The senior guard arrives in Columbia after leading the nation in scoring last season, pouring in 25.2 points per game. A three-time First-Team All-ACC selection and AP Second-Team All-American, Latson’s scoring resume is staggering: 86 double-digit outings in 93 games, including 62 with 20-plus points.
Latson’s arrival gives South Carolina a new weapon — a dynamic scorer who attacks with a first step as quick as a blink and a jumper smooth enough to silence entire arenas. Over three seasons, she’s maintained 44.8% shooting while averaging 22.5 points per game, and her explosiveness could make her one of the SEC’s toughest covers this year.
Joyce Edwards: Sophomore Strength with a Veteran’s Poise
Joyce Edwards, the reigning freshman standout, continues to build her legend. Last season, she led the Gamecocks in scoring (12.7 points per game) and ranked third in rebounds (5.0 per game), earning All-SEC First Team and All-America honorable mention honors. Her blend of strength and finesse, coupled with a 57.2% field goal percentage, made her one of the most efficient players in the country.
Edwards’ dominance extended beyond the NCAA stage — she played a crucial role in Team USA’s gold medal win at the FIBA AmeriCup and represented her country in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League Americas Conference 2. For a sophomore, her composure is rare, her confidence unshakable. As South Carolina reloads for another championship run, Edwards is emerging as both a pillar and a spark.
The Road Ahead: Clash with North Carolina
The Gamecocks — ranked No. 2 nationally — continue their preseason tonight with a marquee exhibition against No. 11 North Carolina at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Fans can grab seats through Ticketmaster. The home opener tips off Monday, Nov. 3, as South Carolina hosts Grand Canyon University at Colonial Life Arena. The matchup will stream live on SECN+ at 7 p.m. ET.
For continued coverage, visit GamecocksOnline.com and follow the team’s social channels @GamecockWBB for updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments as the season unfolds.
2025–26 Naismith Trophy Women’s Watch List — South Carolina Selections:
- Raven Johnson
- Ta’Niya Latson
- Joyce Edwards
With three names on the nation’s most prestigious preseason watch list, South Carolina once again reminds the basketball world that its reign isn’t over — it’s evolving. Each player brings a unique spark: Johnson’s leadership, Latson’s scoring firepower, and Edwards’ all-around dominance. Together, they form the nucleus of a team built not just for glory, but for legacy — a legacy that might once again culminate with the South Carolina Gamecocks Naismith Trophy 2025 conversation at center stage.
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