South Carolina basketball star projected as top-10 pick in WNBA Draft

Arguably the most impactful transfer portal addition in college basketball last season was South Carolina basketball guard Te-Hina Paopao. After transferring to Columbia from the Oregon Ducks, Paopao changed everything for the Gamecocks by providing the nation's best team with the floor spacing they needed to compliment their elite defense with a big-time offense.

While other transfer players had better overall numbers on paper, Paopao was the key that unlocked the eventual undefeated National Champions. Playing both guard spots for Coach Dawn Staley's squad, Paopao was one of the top outside shooters in the sport last year as she made 46.8% of her perimeter jumpers. She also served as a steady facilitator who posted an assist-to-turnover ratio better than 2.

Most assumed Paopao would enter the 2024 WNBA Draft as she was projected to be a 2nd round pick. Instead, she elected to return to the Gamecocks for one final ride, utilizing her "Covid redshirt" for a fifth year of college ball. According to one national outlet, that decision could pay off in a big way.

ESPN's Michael Voepel released his latest mock WNBA Draft and has Paopao being taken with the 10th overall pick by the Chicago Sky. If she were to be taken by the Sky, she would be reunited with former South Carolina basketball teammate Kamilla Cardoso who was taken with the 3rd pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Cardoso and Angel Reese are the frontcourt of the future in Chicago, but the team needs guars (especially ones who can shoot the 3-ball), so taking Paopao makes a lot of sense for the Sky.

A 1st round selection for Paopao would mean good things for the Gamecocks. Playing in one of the most loaded backcourts in America, the All-American combo guard will spend a lot of her time on the court next to Raven Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, or Tessa Johnson (or even next to two of them at a time). If she can put up enough numbers to be viewed as a 1st rounder next spring, that means Paopao will have challenged for a spot on the All-American teams again and helped lead the Gamecocks to another strong season.

Te-Hina Paopao and her Gamecock team will start their 2024-2025 season in Las Vegas on November 4th against the Michigan Wolverines.