March Madness ended on Sunday, April 6, in Tampa, Florida, with UConn beating South Carolina 82-59. The WNBA announced Friday the top draft prospects attending this year’s draft. Te-Hina Paopao will be one of them. Fresh out of the Final Four, she must prepare for the WNBA Draft. These ladies must travel to New York a week later to hear their names called at the draft. Unfortunately, the WNBA doesn’t give the draftees enough time between March Madness and draft night. Paopao is expected to be a first-round pick.
Te-Hina Paopao – South Carolina Gamecocks
Paopao, a fifth-year senior, has had a great experience with South Carolina, winning a championship last year with the Gamecocks. Paopao is leaving college as a champion, which is the ultimate goal as a student-athlete and professional athlete. She averaged 11.4 points per game throughout her college career, which was her average entering South Carolina in the 2023-2024 championship season. Her points per game dropped slightly this season, averaging 9.4, which is not a factor. Her shooting ability is a great advantage for her at the pro level, which will help any team that drafts her. She shot 37% from three this season and 44.4% from the field, a great asset entering the league.
Paopao was with South Carolina for only two seasons and significantly impacted the team. She is pro-ready and an unselfish player and person. Paopao will be a great addition to any team in the WNBA. Whoever selects her will win at the end, a player who has an excellent IQ for basketball and limits the errors on the court.
The WNBA Draft will be held on ESPN on April 14 at 7:30 pm ET.
