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Former South Carolina women's basketball starting guard Ta'Niya Latson was waived July 6 by the Los Angeles Sparks during her rookie season.
The Sparks also announced they were signing guard Kate Martin to a standard contract.
Latson, a 5-foot-8 guard, was widely believed to be a first-round draft selection but was still available with the 20th pick (second round), which resulted in the Sparks referring to her as the steal of the draft.
Coach Lynne Roberts said in May she expected Latson to be in the rotation. She scored seven points in each of her first two preseason games, with a combined six rebounds and eight assists. But she played in just 10 regular season games, averaging 1.8 points and 5.0 minutes before getting cut.
Latson led the nation in scoring with 25.2 points per game her junior season at Florida State but chose to transfer into coach Dawn Staley's program for her final year to play with other star players.
She averaged 14.1 points for the Gamecocks and shot a career-best 48.6% from the floor.
This season marked the most players on an opening day roster for Staley with 12, then 2025 draft selection Bree Hall was picked up by the Indiana Fever with a developmental contract shortly after, pushing it to 13.
With Latson's news, the number of South Carolina players is in the league is back to 12.
The Sparks are 8-10. They are led by star guard Kelsey Plum, who is averaging a team-high 23.9 points and 6.4 assists.
Since draft night, Roberts has talked about Latson playing the point guard role, which wasn't her natural position. She was South Carolina's key scoring guard as Raven Johnson ran the offense.
"I have a positive attitude, right now just trying to learn and develop as much as possible into that point guard and lead guard position," Latson told reporters July 1.
She was asked how she handles limited playing time.
"Continue to be confident while also getting extra work even after practice," Latson said. "Trying to perfect my craft even when I don't have as many opportunities so when I do get that opportunity I'll be ready."
Latson can transition to a developmental contract with the Sparks or be picked up by another team. Former South Carolina forward Sania Feagin was waived by the Sparks shortly into her second WNBA season but was picked up by the Portland Fire five days later.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: LA Sparks waive Ta'Niya Latson, Dawn Staley's former South Carolina starter
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The Sparks also announced they were signing guard Kate Martin to a standard contract.
Latson, a 5-foot-8 guard, was widely believed to be a first-round draft selection but was still available with the 20th pick (second round), which resulted in the Sparks referring to her as the steal of the draft.
Coach Lynne Roberts said in May she expected Latson to be in the rotation. She scored seven points in each of her first two preseason games, with a combined six rebounds and eight assists. But she played in just 10 regular season games, averaging 1.8 points and 5.0 minutes before getting cut.
Latson led the nation in scoring with 25.2 points per game her junior season at Florida State but chose to transfer into coach Dawn Staley's program for her final year to play with other star players.
She averaged 14.1 points for the Gamecocks and shot a career-best 48.6% from the floor.
This season marked the most players on an opening day roster for Staley with 12, then 2025 draft selection Bree Hall was picked up by the Indiana Fever with a developmental contract shortly after, pushing it to 13.
With Latson's news, the number of South Carolina players is in the league is back to 12.
The Sparks are 8-10. They are led by star guard Kelsey Plum, who is averaging a team-high 23.9 points and 6.4 assists.
Since draft night, Roberts has talked about Latson playing the point guard role, which wasn't her natural position. She was South Carolina's key scoring guard as Raven Johnson ran the offense.
"I have a positive attitude, right now just trying to learn and develop as much as possible into that point guard and lead guard position," Latson told reporters July 1.
She was asked how she handles limited playing time.
"Continue to be confident while also getting extra work even after practice," Latson said. "Trying to perfect my craft even when I don't have as many opportunities so when I do get that opportunity I'll be ready."
Latson can transition to a developmental contract with the Sparks or be picked up by another team. Former South Carolina forward Sania Feagin was waived by the Sparks shortly into her second WNBA season but was picked up by the Portland Fire five days later.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: LA Sparks waive Ta'Niya Latson, Dawn Staley's former South Carolina starter
Continue reading...
