Florida State women’s basketball has seen a stark decline in its success since star player Ta'Niya Latson transferred to join the powerhouse South Carolina Gamecocks. FSU made the second round of the NCAA Tournament, finishing (24-9, 13-5 ACC) overall, and Taniya Latson led the team and nation in scoring.
FSU finished (10-21, 5-13 ACC) this season without Latson leading the way. Latson apparently wanted more exposure and probably received more money than what she would have gotten to stay at FSU.
However, was it worth it? South Carolina won a ton of games this year, but lost in the SEC Tournament. They’ll have a shot to win another National Title, but I’m not sure Latson improved her pro potential.
FSU could have used her something serious this season, but it's hard to compete when a top teams comes to cherry pick
Her numbers have dropped in nearly every category, and she’s probably been a forgotten player in the midst of South Carolina’s success.
Latson averaged 25.2 points per game last year at FSU, and she only averaged 14.6 this year at South Carolina. Her rebounds per game went from 4.6 to 2.8, and her steals went from 2.2 to 1.7. Her three-point shooting went from 34.3 percent to 32.4 percent. Her assists went from 4.6 to 3.5.
She played 30 minutes in South Carolina's blowout loss against Texas and only had four points, three assists, and one steal, making one of four shot attempts.
I understand players must do what they feel is best for them, but sometimes they can't see the forest for the trees. Latson had a great situation at FSU, and it seems the grass wasn't greener over at South Carolina. Her game suffered, they didn't win a conference championship, may not win a National Title, and she may not get drafted as high as she would have if she stayed at FSU.