INTERVIEW: Raven Johnson and Ta'niya Latson Talk WNBA Draft, S.C. Gamecocks, College & Early Career Adversities + More - The Breakfast Club

Transcript

Tania Latson (0:00)

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Raven Johnson (0:04)

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Summary

The Breakfast Club – Interview with Raven Johnson and Ta'niya Latson (April 14, 2026)

Overview

In this engaging episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts Charlamagne tha God and Lauren LaRosa sit down with rising WNBA prospects Raven Johnson and Ta'niya Latson. Fresh off the NCAA championship and on the eve of the WNBA draft, the duo reflects on their journeys through college basketball, the emotional whirlwind of the draft process, their deep friendship, personal adversities, impacts of social media, and thoughts on the changing landscape of women’s hoops. The conversation is candid, uplifting, and full of memorable insights for young athletes and fans alike.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Whirlwind from NCAA Championship to WNBA Draft

Transitioning Quickly: Both guests express how surreal it feels to shift from college to pro prospects in days.
- "It's crazy. It's like a dream come true. You dream of this moment, and now you're here." – Raven Johnson (02:54)
- "It's a quick turnaround… closing one chapter and trying to, like, get into another one." – Ta'niya Latson (03:15)
Emotional Mix: Excitement prevails, but there’s real humility about the uncertainty ahead.
- "Not knowing where you're gonna go, that humbles you." – Ta'niya Latson (36:03)

2. Friendship and Chemistry

Origins: The pair met as teenagers at a Vegas camp and immediately bonded, supporting each other on and off the court.
- "We was just, like, stuck like glue after that. We ain’t leave each other’s side." – Ta'niya Latson (11:49)
Reuniting in College: After playing apart, their last college year together at South Carolina was special.
- "Being able to play in our last year together, it was fun. We dreamed of moments like this." – Ta'niya Latson (06:21)
Support System: Emotional connections help on court; they keep each other grounded and motivated.
- "We balance each other ... she tells me when to, you know, not say that thing or when to say it." – Raven Johnson (15:27)

3. Overcoming Adversity & Mental Health

Raven’s Story: She opens up about a challenging freshman year, weight gain, and fighting through social media scrutiny.
- "I went through a lot. A lot of highs, a lot of lows... I could have quit." – Raven Johnson (08:23)
- "Social media is... a good and a bad thing. If you live by social media, you gotta die by it, too." – Raven Johnson (10:00)
The Role of Friends: Ta'niya recounts calling out Raven's struggles honestly but supportively.
- "I was like, you looking a little big now." – Ta'niya Latson (09:19)
- "I’m glad I went through adversity, honestly, because it made me mentally stronger." – Raven Johnson (09:35)

4. College Experiences Beyond Basketball

Value of Genuine Relationships: Both stress how hard it is to build authentic connections outside their basketball circles due to demanding schedules.
- "Outside of basketball... finding genuine people that really wanna mess with you for who you are..." – Ta'niya Latson (13:32)
College Life Realities: They explain the difference between being 'athletes' and regular students ('narps'), and how they value friendships made outside the sports bubble.
- "Meeting those people, normal. A regular people." – Raven Johnson (37:57)

5. Lessons from South Carolina and Coach Staley

Program Standards: South Carolina’s focus on excellence and accountability preps players for the pros.
- "They're serious about basketball, they're serious about winning...you're going there to be about business." – Raven Johnson (23:33)
Coach Staley’s Influence:
- "She taught me a lot about myself and just like how I can be impactful without scoring 20 a night..." – Ta'niya Latson (27:57)
- "You better know your P's and Q's when it comes to the plays... you gotta trust your point guard on the floor." – Raven Johnson (22:14)

6. The Evolving Landscape of Women's Basketball

Growth of the Game: The draft, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), and heightened media attention are changing the players’ experiences.
- "With NIL... people are able to share their stories... That’s what’s bringing a lot more eyes." – Ta'niya Latson (32:18)
Male Allies: NBA stars support women’s hoops, broadening its audience and legitimacy.
- "A lot of, like, NBA guys... they’re really big fans of women’s basketball." – Ta'niya Latson (31:22)
Branding Pressure: There's more pressure to craft personal brands, manage narratives, and handle social media scrutiny.
- "Is there more pressure on the branding side? Yeah, yeah." – Ta'niya Latson (33:01)

7. Brotherhood and Rivalries in Women’s Basketball

Media Narratives: Both discuss how social media and the media sometimes amplify perceived rivalries and negativity.
- "They try to paint pictures on us...put us as enemies." – Raven Johnson (44:43)
- "They give us beef. We ain’t even got, like, what? Y’all done made this up!" – Ta'niya Latson (46:01)
Racial and Cultural Undercurrents: They openly address how being a predominantly Black team can affect public recognition and celebration.
- "We are a predominantly black team...we don’t get showcased as much as we should because of politics." – Ta'niya Latson (47:52)
- "You could say whatever about [Coach Staley], but guess what? She’s gonna walk in her truth and keep shining." – Raven Johnson (46:58)

8. Looking Ahead – The Next Chapter

Draft Night Emotions: Both share excitement about stepping into their pro futures and seeing their dreams realized.
- "Getting our names called. That’s...and then, though, getting glammed up." – Ta'niya Latson (35:20)
A Mindset for Longevity: They emphasize professionalism, adaptability, and character as keys to lasting impact.
- "I think I’m just, like, flexible...I can blend in a lot...that’s going to give me longevity." – Ta'niya Latson (40:29)
- "They were talking to us about how people stay longer in the league by being a great person outside of basketball." – Raven Johnson (41:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Adversity and Social Media:
- Raven: "If you live by social media, you gotta die by it too...every time you got on social media, you see Raven Johnson, blah blah blah, and it wasn’t for a good reason." (10:00)
On Friendship:
- Ta'niya: "We look for each other when we...need a break. We look for each other. So. Yeah." (15:49)
On Coach Staley’s Influence:
- Raven: "I used to be [scared], but now I go to her about, I'll be asking her, what's her relationship status?...She be all up in our business, I'll be in her business too." (49:38)
On Changing the Narrative for Black Women in Sports:
- Raven: "Like these are 19, 18 year old girls that they're talking about...If anything, they should be giving confidence into young black girls…" (45:12)
On Personal Growth:
- Ta'niya: "I was a little selfish back then...always thought about me, me, me, me, me, and not 'we.'" (20:52)
On Goals and Legacy:
- Raven: "I want to be remembered as this person...who was very nice all the time...because you never know who you might meet." (52:52)
- Ta'niya: "[Someone] that isn't afraid of change and growth...who took the game seriously and, you know, tried to be as best I could." (53:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Beginning of Main Interview / WNBA Draft Whirlwind: [02:17]–[03:41]
Friendship & Basketball Reconnection: [06:14]–[07:53]
Dealing with Adversity, Body Image & Social Media Pressures: [08:09]–[11:18]
Forming Real Relationships Off the Court: [13:26]–[15:49]
Lessons Learned at South Carolina & Coach Staley: [22:14]–[24:27], [27:57]–[28:39], [46:58]–[47:45]
The Shift in Women’s Basketball/NIL/Media Scrutiny: [31:22]–[33:17], [44:43]–[46:33]
Culture and Race in Recognition: [47:52]–[48:34]
Draft Night Excitement & Fears: [35:20]–[36:20]
College Life Outside Sports: [37:05]–[38:09]
Future Plans, Franchise Player Aspirations: [43:56]–[44:36]
Advice to Younger Self & Closing Thoughts: [51:27]–[53:46]

Conclusion

Raven Johnson and Ta'niya Latson shine a light on the realities, joys, and trials of young women navigating major athletic transitions. Their story emphasizes the importance of resilience, friendship, mentorship, and authenticity in pursuing success and fulfillment. This episode provides inspiration and candid insight for aspiring athletes and anyone interested in the evolving culture of women's sports.

For more, follow @cbgtania and @hollywood_raven on Instagram.

End of Summary