South Carolina’s Backcourt Just Got Scary

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Two of the Top Transfer Portal Stars Pick Their Next Schools 🔁

Two of the most high-profile names in this year’s transfer portal just made major moves:

• Olivia Miles, the former Notre Dame star guard, has committed to TCU for her final year of eligibility, passing up a likely top-three spot in next week's WNBA Draft. (TCU Athletics)

• Ta'Niya Latson, the nation’s leading DI scorer from Florida State, is headed to South Carolina after three seasons with the Seminoles. (ESPN)

WHY IT MATTERS: Miles and Latson were two of the most electric players in college basketball last season. Their decisions instantly shift the outlook for two programs. Miles will add veteran poise to a rising TCU squad coming off its first-ever Elite Eight run. Meanwhile, Latson brings instant offense to a South Carolina team hungry to return to the national title game. Both are expected to be difference-makers from day one.

2. 2025 WNBA Draft Class Is Locked In 📝

With the WNBA Draft just days away, the declaration deadline has now passed—and this year’s class is full of star power. General Managers will have plenty of talent to evaluate as they look to find the right fit for their rosters.

Some of the top names available include:

• Paige Bueckers (UConn)

• Kiki Iriafen (USC)

• Sonia Citron (Notre Dame)

• Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina)

• Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James (NC State)

• Georgia Amoore (Kentucky)

• Aneesah Morrow (LSU)

• Shyanne Sellers (Maryland)

📅 The WNBA Draft takes place Monday, April 15 at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN.

WHY IT MATTERS: While the spotlight shines bright on draft night, getting selected is just the beginning. With only 156 roster spots in the league, and many of them already filled, making a WNBA team is notoriously difficult. GMs face tough choices, weighing upside, positional needs, and team chemistry. For players, being drafted is a milestone. But earning a roster spot? That’s where the real battle begins.

🔍 Scouting season is on: Read full player evaluations and team-by-team needs from The Next

3. Raven Johnson Will Run It Back with South Carolina 🐔

South Carolina point guard Raven Johnson announced she’ll return for a fifth season, opting out of this year’s WNBA Draft. Her announcement came just hours after former high school teammate and Florida State transfer Ta'Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer, committed to the Gamecocks. (On3)

WHY IT MATTERS: Johnson’s return is a huge boost for South Carolina’s title hopes after falling short in the national championship. Her statement that she’d “love to end on a good note” hints at unfinished business—and teaming up with Latson again could give the Gamecocks one of the most dynamic backcourts in the country.

There's also a strategic element at play: with the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement on the horizon, rookie salaries are expected to rise significantly in 2026. For Johnson, staying one more year could lead to both a stronger pro debut and a bigger paycheck.

🗳️ Poll Results from Yesterday: 88% of respondents said they watched “every minute” of the national championship game between UConn and South Carolina on Sunday.