South Carolina Gamecocks’ 2026 WNBA Draft class: Everything you need to know
Three South Carolina women’s basketball players heard their names called during the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday night — two in the first round and one in the second.
Point guard Raven Johnson went No. 10 overall to the Indiana Fever. Center Madina Okot was taken No. 13 by the Atlanta Dream. Guard Ta’Niya Latson was picked No. 20 by the Los Angeles Sparks.
Which South Carolina players were selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Johnson was the first Gamecock off the board, selected by Indiana with the No. 10 overall pick. She was the program’s first guard taken in the first round since Zia Cooke in 2023. The pick reunites Johnson with former South Carolina teammate Aliyah Boston.
“You dream of moments like this as a little girl,” Johnson told ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “You watch people before you that get drafted and just to hear to my name called is a blessing.”
Okot followed as the No. 13 pick to Atlanta, becoming the program’s first post player selected in the first round since Kamilla Cardoso in 2024.
Latson rounded out the Gamecocks’ draft class at No. 20 to Los Angeles. Her slide to the second round came as a bit of a surprise, as she was a projected first-round pick by several outlets.
What Raven Johnson brings to the Indiana Fever
FULL STORY: Raven Johnson first Gamecock selected with first round pick in 2026 WNBA Draft
Few players saw their draft stock rise as much as Johnson’s this season. She earned All-American honors from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, The Associated Press (third team) and U.S. Basketball Writers Association (honorable mention). She was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year — the fifth Gamecock to win the award and the first guard since Georgia’s Que Morrison won alongside USC’s Aliyah Boston in 2021.
The Atlanta product averaged career-highs in scoring (9.9 points per game) and field goal percentage (48.6%). She also posted personal bests in 3-point percentage (39.8%) and assists (5.1 per game).
Johnson leaves South Carolina with 154 games played over five years — only Victaria Saxton played more in program history. She won two national championships, went to five straight Final Fours and was part of three SEC Tournament championships.
How Madina Okot went from Kenya to the WNBA first round
FULL STORY: Madina Okot selected by Atlanta Dream in first round of 2026 WNBA Draft
Okot’s path to the draft is unlike most. The Kenya native began playing basketball in 2020 and started her college career at Zetech University in Kenya before playing her junior season at Mississippi State. She transferred to South Carolina for the 2025-26 season.
In one year with the Gamecocks, the 6-foot-6 center averaged a double-double with 12.8 points and an SEC-leading 10.6 rebounds per game — both career-bests. She posted 22 double-doubles, the third-most in the country, and shot 57.5% from the floor.
Okot had never attempted a 3-pointer in her NCAA career before arriving at South Carolina. She went 13 for 29 (44.8%) from beyond the arc this season.
“Six years ago, I didn’t see myself being here today, or I never dreamed myself being here today,” Okot said. “My dream was to play pro or to play in the W but I didn’t know that it was gonna be after six years. If I could go back, I’ll tell my younger self, [I’m] just so proud of her. She never gave up. She had to go through a lot, and kept moving forward.”
Ta’Niya Latson’s slide to the second round was a surprise
FULL STORY: Ta’Niya Latson taken by Los Angeles Sparks in 2026 WNBA Draft
Latson transferred from Florida State, where she was the ACC Rookie of the Year, a three-time All-ACC selection and an All-American in her junior season. That junior year was highlighted by Latson leading the nation with 25.2 points per game.
At South Carolina, she started all 35 games and averaged 14.1 points and 3.6 assists per game. She added 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals per contest. Latson posted career-highs in field goal percentage (48.6%), effective field goal percentage (52.2%) and true shooting percentage (57.5%). Her play earned her an All-SEC second-team selection and an NCAA All-Tournament team nod.
“I went to South Carolina to become a pro and get ready for the league,” Latson said. “I feel like I’m well-prepared.”
In total, Latson started all 128 games of her college career, averaging 20.2 points, four rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
“Obviously God wanted me here for a reason, and I’m going to take it in with everything that I have,” Latson said. “I know I can bring my ability to get downhill and score the ball…I’m a two-way player too, and I can bring a lot of other things to the table, and I’m a really good teammate. So I’m just excited. I’m ready to win.”
The story above was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 9:48 AM with the headline "South Carolina Gamecocks’ 2026 WNBA Draft class: Everything you need to know."
