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

The Breakfast Club49mApril 14, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts Charlemagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Just Hilarious welcome two standout South Carolina Gamecocks basketball players, Raven Johnson and Ta'niya Latson, as they prepare for the WNBA Draft. The conversation dives deep into their emotional journey from college champions to professional prospects, highlighting the whirlwind transition from the national championship game just nine days prior. They reflect on their bond forged in high school, rekindled at South Carolina, and the profound impact of adversity—Raven’s struggles with weight gain, social media backlash, and mental health during her freshman year, which she credits with building her resilience. Both athletes discuss the importance of authenticity, mental toughness, and the power of sisterhood in their success. They also address broader issues in women’s basketball, including media misrepresentation, the lack of recognition for dominant teams like South Carolina, and the need for genuine support from fans and male allies. As they look ahead to the WNBA, they express excitement about the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the opportunity to grow as professionals, and their commitment to being role models for young Black girls. The episode closes with heartfelt reflections on legacy, self-worth, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of fame and pressure.

Key Takeaways
1

Adversity builds resilience: Raven Johnson’s struggles with social media, weight gain, and mental health during her freshman year ultimately strengthened her mentally and prepared her for the WNBA.

2

Authenticity and sisterhood are key: The deep, genuine friendship between Raven and Ta'niya, built over years and tested by distance and competition, translates into powerful on-court chemistry and mutual support.

3

The WNBA draft is a life-changing moment: The emotional weight of the draft, especially after a national championship, underscores how quickly college careers end and professional journeys begin.

4

Media narratives often distort reality: The hosts and guests challenge the false narratives of rivalry and animosity between women’s college teams, emphasizing that competition is healthy but friendship exists beyond the court.

5

Black excellence deserves recognition: Despite six Final Fours and three national titles in a row, South Carolina’s dominance has not been adequately celebrated by mainstream media, highlighting systemic underrepresentation.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Introduction & WNBA Draft Countdown

The episode opens with a series of promotional segments for other iHeart podcasts before introducing Raven Johnson and Ta'niya Latson as the special guests preparing for the WNBA Draft. The hosts express excitement for the historic moment and set the tone for an emotional, personal conversation.

2:00
3 min

From College Champions to Pros: The Emotional Transition

Raven and Ta'niya reflect on the surreal shift from playing in the national championship game just days before to now being WNBA draft prospects. They express disbelief at how quickly their college careers ended and how the draft feels like the beginning of a new chapter.

5:00
5 min

The Power of Friendship: A Bond Forged in High School

We're two different people, but we balance each other. She tells me when to not say that thing or when to say it or how to say it. And then I'd be like, tonight, all right, bring more. She can bring more.

Highlight
10:00
5 min

Raven’s Adversity: Weight, Social Media, and Mental Health

I went viral on social media. Every time you got on social media, you see Raven Johnson, blah, blah, blah, blah. It wasn't for a good reason. It was for a bad reason.

Highlight
15:00
5 min

The Gamecocks Culture: Discipline, Legacy, and High Standards

You better be ready. You better be mentally prepared. It's basketball. If you love basketball, you commit to South Carolina. You got to be about basketball. They're serious about basketball.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
We are a reflection of our coach. At the end of the day, we don't care what nobody say about us because our coach don't care.
Raven Johnson49:09
Viral: 92.0
I went viral on social media. Every time you got on social media, you see Raven Johnson, blah, blah, blah, blah. It wasn't for a good reason. It was for a bad reason.
Raven Johnson10:21
Viral: 90.0
They try to paint pictures on us girls outside of... They try to put us enemies. Yeah, y'all don't like each other. But whole time it's not that. It's just being competitive on the court.
Ta'niya Latson76:30
Viral: 88.0
Speakers

Hosts

Charlemagne Tha GodDJ EnvyJust HilariousLauren LaRosa

Guests

Raven JohnsonTa'niya Latson
Topics Discussed
WNBA Draft Preparation95%Mental Health and Resilience93%Female Athlete Friendship92%College Basketball Success90%Media Representation88%Black Excellence in Sports87%Professional Transition85%Collective Bargaining Agreement80%
People & Brands

Raven Johnson

person

120xPositive

Ta'niya Latson

person

115xPositive

South Carolina Gamecocks

other

85xPositive

WNBA

other

60xPositive

Dawn Staley

person

45xPositive

Coach Daly

person

30xPositive

Anthony Edwards

person

15xPositive

iHeartRadio

other

12xNeutral

Tina Thompson

person

10xPositive

The Breakfast Club

media

10xNeutral

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