Ta’Niya Latson’s fourth ACC Player of the Week award is a reflection of her extraordinary talent and hard work
Her performances against Clemson and Miami were nothing short of spectacular, and she continues to elevate the Florida State Seminoles to new heights.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what Latson achieves next. One thing is certain: she is a force to be reckoned with, and her impact on the game will be felt for years to come.
Ta’Niya Latson’s omission from Player of the Year discussions doesn’t diminish her incredible achievements this season. While factors such as team success, strength of schedule, and media attention have worked against her, Latson’s talent is undeniable.
As Florida State navigates the toughest stretch of its schedule, Latson has the opportunity to prove herself against top-tier competition. Her performances in these key games will not only determine her candidacy for individual awards but also solidify her place as one of the brightest stars in NCAA women’s basketball.
Regardless of the outcome, Ta’Niya Latson’s story is far from over. This season is just the beginning for a player with the potential to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
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Ta’Niya Latson Continues to Shine
ACC Player of the Week for the Fourth Time
Ta’Niya Latson is making waves in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with her remarkable performances this season.1
The Florida State guard was named ACC Player of the Week for the fourth time, a testament to her consistency and dominance on the court.
This latest recognition comes after her electrifying performances against Clemson and Miami, where she showcased her scoring ability, court vision, and defensive prowess.
The work gon’ always show!❤️🙏🏾 https://t.co/88SyL65rCk
— Ta’Niya Latson (@NiyaLatson) January 19, 2025
Stellar Performances Against Clemson and Miami
Latson’s impact on the game was undeniable in back-to-back home victories. Against Clemson on Thursday, she delivered an impressive stat line of 20 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, and four steals, leading the Seminoles to a commanding 82-67 win.
This performance marked her fourth double-double of the season and demonstrated her ability to excel in multiple facets of the game.
Just a few days later, Latson took her game to another level against rival Miami. She torched the Hurricanes with 30 points on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting, including a perfect 5-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Her hot shooting helped Florida State set a program record with 18 three-pointers in an 88-66 rout.
Additionally, she contributed three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most complete players in college basketball.
Ta’Niya Latson: Social Media Buzz and Fan Support
Latson’s stellar performances have not gone unnoticed on social media. ACC Sports’ Instagram account shared highlights of her recent games, celebrating her achievements and showcasing her talent.2
Latson reposted the video on her own Instagram story, expressing gratitude for the recognition and support. This connection with fans further solidifies her role as a rising star and fan favorite in college basketball.
What sets Latson apart is her ability to perform at a high level consistently. Being named ACC Player of the Week four times in a single season is no small feat.
It speaks to her work ethic, focus, and ability to adapt to different challenges. Her versatility allows her to impact the game in various ways, making her a nightmare for opposing teams to game plan against.
Setting Records and Elevating the Seminoles
Latson’s exceptional performance against Miami not only secured a victory but also etched her name in Florida State history.
The Seminoles’ 18 three-pointers in a single game set a new program record, highlighting the team’s offensive firepower and Latson’s role as a catalyst.
Her perfect shooting from deep exemplifies her ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when her team needs it most.
Beyond the statistics, Latson’s leadership has been a driving force for Florida State this season. Her ability to inspire her teammates and elevate their play has been instrumental in the Seminoles’ success.
Whether it’s dishing out assists, grabbing crucial rebounds, or locking down opponents on defense, Latson does it all with poise and determination.
Ta’Niya Latson: Building a Legacy at Florida State
As a sophomore, Latson has already established herself as one of the best players in the ACC.3
Her ability to dominate games and lead her team to victory bodes well for her future, both at Florida State and beyond.
She has the potential to leave a lasting legacy at the university, inspiring future generations of athletes to follow in her footsteps.
With the season still ongoing, Latson has ample opportunities to add to her list of accomplishments.
Florida State will rely heavily on her leadership and production as they aim to make a deep run in the ACC tournament and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. If Latson continues to play at this level, the Seminoles will be a formidable opponent for any team they face.
The Impact of Latson’s Game
Latson’s impact goes beyond the box score. She embodies the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork, serving as a role model for young athletes.
Her ability to balance scoring, playmaking, and defense makes her one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball, and her contributions to Florida State’s success cannot be overstated.
As Ta’Niya Latson continues to develop her game, the sky’s the limit for her potential. Whether she’s lighting up the scoreboard, setting up her teammates, or making crucial defensive plays, Latson is a player who consistently rises to the occasion.
Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance, and it’s clear that she has a bright future ahead.
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Why Is Ta’Niya Latson Not a Player of the Year Candidate?
Ta’Niya Latson, a rising star in NCAA women’s basketball, has taken Division I by storm with her scoring prowess.
Leading the nation with an impressive 26.6 points per game, Latson’s performance has undeniably captured attention.
Despite this, ESPN’s mid-season pick for the Player of the Year award has overlooked Latson, instead favoring Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo. This raises an important question: why isn’t Latson viewed as a legitimate Player of the Year contender?
While individual statistics are critical, Player of the Year awards often weigh other factors, such as strength of schedule, competition level, and overall team success.
A closer look at these criteria helps explain Latson’s exclusion from the conversation, even as her on-court performances remain stellar.
Dominance on the Court
Ta’Niya Latson’s scoring ability is unmatched in Division I. Averaging 26.6 points per game, she has consistently carried the offensive load for Florida State.
Her ability to score in various ways—whether through her smooth jump shot, aggressive drives to the basket, or pinpoint free-throw accuracy—has made her one of the most dynamic players in the NCAA.
Moreover, Latson’s efficiency adds another layer to her game. Shooting over 50% from the field as a guard is a testament to her offensive versatility and shot selection. On paper, these numbers make her a strong candidate for Player of the Year recognition.
Yet, despite her offensive brilliance, Latson’s statistical dominance hasn’t translated into the recognition she deserves, largely due to external factors.
Ta’Niya Latson: Team Performance
The Impact on Individual Awards
One of the primary reasons Ta’Niya Latson isn’t considered a frontrunner for Player of the Year is Florida State’s overall performance.
While Latson shines individually, the Seminoles have struggled to build a compelling resume as a team.
Player of the Year candidates are often expected to not only excel individually but also elevate their teams to elite status. Florida State’s schedule has been relatively light, with limited games against ranked opponents.
This has affected how voters perceive Latson’s impact compared to players from more successful programs like Notre Dame or UConn.
Strength of Schedule: A Critical Factor
The Seminoles’ schedule has been a significant detractor in Latson’s Player of the Year candidacy. Florida State has faced only one ranked opponent (then-No. 24 California) and hasn’t played a single neutral-site game.
This lack of challenging competition makes it difficult for voters to gauge how Latson performs against the NCAA’s elite teams.
By contrast, players like Hannah Hidalgo at Notre Dame, Juju Watkins at USC, and Azzi Fudd at UConn have faced a balanced mix of ranked and unranked opponents.
Their ability to perform consistently in high-stakes games has bolstered their cases for individual awards. Without more opportunities to prove herself against top-tier competition, Latson’s resume appears incomplete.
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Spotlight and Narrative: The Role of Media Perception
Another factor that influences Player of the Year discussions is media attention. Programs with larger fan bases and storied histories, such as Notre Dame, UConn, or South Carolina, tend to receive more coverage.
This increased visibility helps elevate their star players into the national spotlight.
Despite her incredible performances, Latson’s contributions at Florida State haven’t received the same level of media attention. Without a strong narrative surrounding her season, Latson remains at a disadvantage compared to her peers.
Mid-Season Recognition: Signs of Potential, but Not Enough
- Latson’s inclusion on the mid-season watchlists for the Wooden Award and Naismith Trophy is a testament to her undeniable talent.
- These accolades highlight her as one of the top players in the nation.
- However, being on a watchlist is only the first step toward Player of the Year consideration.
- To secure these prestigious awards, Latson will need to maintain her scoring brilliance while delivering standout performances against tougher competition in the latter half of the season.
- Florida State is entering the most challenging portion of its schedule, which could prove pivotal for Ta’Niya Latson’s candidacy.
- Upcoming games against ranked opponents, including a crucial matchup against No. 13 North Carolina, provide Latson with a chance to showcase her abilities on a larger stage.
- Perhaps the most anticipated game on the schedule is Florida State’s clash with Notre Dame on February 27.
- This head-to-head matchup with Hannah Hidalgo, the current Player of the Year favorite, offers Latson a golden opportunity to make her case.
- A standout performance against Hidalgo and a victory for Florida State would significantly enhance her resume.
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