South Carolina women's basketball hosting major Easter visitors
South Carolina women’s basketball already picked up a commitment from one of the top transfer portal players in the country as former Florida State guard and national scoring leader Ta’Niya Latson signed with the Gamecocks. USC also has been linked to two other big-time transfers. This weekend, both Madina Okot and Gianna Kneepkens made their way to Columbia for visits.
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Okot, a former center from Mississippi State, stands 6-6 and is a double-double machine. Illustrating that point, against Vanderbilt this season, she logged a 21-point, 23-rebound performance. Many viewed South Carolina as the early favorite in the Okot Sweepstakes, but no news surfaced. However, this weekend, Gamecock post players Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac were spotted walking around downtown Columbia with Okot. She and her USC hosts have documented much of the visit on social media. Having played overseas in Kenya to begin her career, Okot’s remaining eligibility situation is a bit fuzzy.
Kneepkens is a former Utah Ute who is one of the top shooters (and one of the best overall players) in the country. The 6-0 deadeye can play as an off-ball guard or as a true wing. She has taken several visits since entering the transfer portal, and at various times, reports surfaced about her taking a trip to Carolina. On3’s Talia Goodman reported Kneepkens’ visit this weekend, confirming that she would in town on Sunday. She has been to Oklahoma and Texas and plans to visit UCLA, as well. Kneepkens will have one year left to play at the college level.
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With the window for entering the portal closing in a few days and about 30% of transfers already finding new homes, decisions from Okot and Kneepkens–players who have been in the portal for more than two weeks–could come soon. A Gamecock pledge from either player would put USC in a position to challenge for the top portal class in the country despite only having one other commitment. Landing both, though, would erase any doubt.
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South Carolina has suffered a bit of transfer portal attrition this offseason, too. Dynamic guard MiLaysia Fulwiley and veteran post player Sakima Walker will play with new teams next year. However, positionally, Latson fills Fulwiley’s spot. If the Gamecocks land a big as planned (Okot or otherwise), she likely would play a larger role than Walker.
As things stand, prior to any additional portal movement, USC has up to four scholarships available. Staley isn’t afraid to leave roster spots open, but the Gamecock head coach has made it clear she would like to improve her team via the transfer portal this offseason.
