Te-Hina Paopao's WNBA Journey: A Rookie's Tale and Beyond
A Rising Star's Story
Te-Hina Paopao, a former South Carolina women's basketball standout, found herself in a promising situation as she embarked on her professional career. Drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2025, Paopao joined a team eager for a fresh start and a winning season.
The Atlanta Dream, under the guidance of their new head coach Karl Smesko, experienced a remarkable turnaround. After a challenging six-year stretch, they achieved an impressive 30-14 record in 2025, setting a new franchise record. Paopao described her rookie year as "a very ideal situation." She thrived in the new coaching environment, learning alongside a talented squad.
"I loved every moment," Paopao shared. "Atlanta became my home, and the organization treated me like family. It was an incredible experience."
But here's where it gets controversial... Paopao's role as a rookie was primarily off the bench. She learned from the best, Allisha Gray, a fellow Gamecock and an All-WNBA player. Paopao's stats speak to her potential: 5.8 points per game, with a solid 44% field goal percentage and a respectable 38.6% from beyond the arc. She appeared in 43 games and started 15, averaging 16.7 minutes per game.
And this is the part most people miss... Paopao credits her time at South Carolina for easing her transition to the WNBA. However, she faced a unique challenge - the physicality of playing against seasoned professionals. "The hardest adjustment was the physicality," she explained. "Playing against grown women who've been in the league for years was an eye-opener. I knew I had to hit the weight room hard during the offseason to prepare."
Offseason Choices and Growth
While many WNBA players opt to play overseas during the offseason, Paopao chose a different path. She joined the Athletes Unlimited league in Nashville, Tennessee, a decision influenced by her desire to stay in the States and the opportunity to play in a five-on-five setting.
"Athletes Unlimited offered me a chance to stay close to home and play with some incredible WNBA talent," Paopao said. "I've been able to build relationships with players I've looked up to."
In Athletes Unlimited, Paopao is averaging 6.2 points per game across six matches. She's playing approximately 20 minutes per contest and has shown improvement, shooting at a 35% clip. Additionally, she's contributing 2.7 assists and 2 rebounds per game.
"I'm focusing on my point guard skills this offseason," Paopao revealed. "I want to refine my passing and decision-making abilities. I'm working on my pace and defensive awareness too."
So, what's next for Te-Hina Paopao? Will she continue to shine in the WNBA? And how will her experience in Athletes Unlimited shape her career? These are questions we'll eagerly await answers to. What are your thoughts on Paopao's journey so far? Feel free to share your insights and predictions in the comments below!
