South Carolina’s Te-Hina Paopao announces decision about her future
South Carolina’s Te-Hina Paopao will use her fifth year of eligibility instead of declaring for the WNBA Draft when Gamecocks’ season ends, she announced Monday via a video post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Coach, real talk,” Paul Paopao, Te-Hina’s dad, told Dawn Staley in the video. “What we really called to tell you is that these last six months have not been enough. T wants more.”
“... Let’s run it back.”
Te-Hina captioned the video “Gods plan,” and Paul confirmed Te-Hina’s return with The State.
Staley responded to Te-Hina’s post on X: “A birdie is staying in the nest! Let’s goooo Pao!!!!! @GamecockWBB FAMs we are running it back!!!”
Te-Hina committed to South Carolina in April after three years at Oregon. She has since become the nation’s most accurate 3-point shooter, helping turn what was one of the Gamecocks most apparent weakness last season into an integral strength. Te-Hina also provided this young team with a sense of calm in crucial games. She and sophomore point guard Raven Johnson make up the most skilled backcourt Staley has ever coached.
Fellow seniors Kamilla Cardoso and Sakima Walker could also come back to USC next year, as they are part of the final class able to use the NCAA’s COVID-19 waiver to return for a fifth season.
This story was originally published March 4, 2024 at 7:32 PM.
