South Carolina’s Gamecocks of the 2023-24 NCAA season has shown impressive prowess on the basketball court, despite significant talent losses to the WNBA Draft. Senior point guard Te-Hina Paopao’s leadership and expert skillset have been instrumental in keeping the Gamecocks on top, even after big season-openings wins against the Maryland Terrapins and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Gamecocks’ early success with a new roster is impressive considering that they lost five rotation players, including Aliyah Boston, a standout player in the program’s history.
This season, sophomore guard Raven Johnson and center Kamilla Cardoso have played in significantly larger roles, contributing greatly to the team’s performance. However, it’s senior guard Te-Hina Podao who has truly held everything together. Te-Hina Paopao has excelled, bringing consistency and leadership to the Gamecocks, despite the team undergoing significant changes.
Originally from Oceanside, CA, Paopao’s has had a remarkable career, having been a part of Team USA since 2016. As a player whose impact goes beyond the box score, Paopao has positively transformed South Carolina’s offense with her ability to handle the ball and accuracy as a shooter. This season, the Gamecocks have displayed a revamped offensive strategy, achieving significant success.
Paopao’s creative style and substantial contributions with South Carolina have been captivating to audiences, further solidifying her as one of the season’s standout success stories. She will have some critical matchups coming up, including a game against the East Carolina Pirates on Dec. 30 (ESPN2), which fans won’t want to miss. As South Carolina continues to win games, it only adds to Te-Hina Paopao’s impact and legacy with the Gamecocks.
Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.