The standard in Columbia hasn’t slipped… it’s evolved. South Carolina women’s basketball came into the new season with fresh faces and new fire, and the voters noticed. Picked second in the SEC preseason rankings and placing both Joyce Edwards and Ta’Niya Latson on the Preseason First Team, Dawn Staley’s squad is once again sitting exactly where it likes to be: respected, but still hungry.
What’s special about this year’s group is how quickly it’s formed its identity. Edwards, the in-state phenom, already looks every bit the centerpiece South Carolina fans hoped for – strong, poised, and fearless. Latson brings the spark, the pace, and that veteran confidence that perfectly complements Edwards’ power. Together, they’re setting the tone for what should be another deep postseason run.
It’s no surprise that the preseason buzz feels more about belief than nostalgia. This isn’t just a program living off its legacy, it’s one reloading it. Dawn Staley continues to stack talent, but she’s also kept the culture that makes this team different. You can see it in the way they compete, the way they hold each other accountable, and the way they expect to win.
In Columbia, preseason rankings don’t define anything. They just serve as a reminder: the standard was never going anywhere. It just has new names carrying it now and Edwards and Latson are more than ready to lead the charge.
