Te-Hina Paopao: Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley’s guard for South Carolina women’s basketball

When the South Carolina Gamecocks take the court, they do so with a relentless, aggressive style that has made them one of the most dominant teams in women’s college basketball. Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have established themselves as a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage, capturing NCAA titles and consistently competing at the highest level. At the heart of their success is the play of a guard who has not only shaped South Carolina’s offense but has also embodied Coach Staley’s fearless mentality on the court—Te-Hina Paopao.

A dynamic and versatile player, Paopao brings a level of energy, skill, and leadership that is crucial to the Gamecocks’ championship aspirations. As a key part of the team’s offensive and defensive strategies, Paopao’s contributions go far beyond just her scoring ability. Her intelligence, defensive prowess, and leadership are invaluable to a South Carolina team that thrives on both ends of the floor. As one of the most important players on Coach Staley’s roster, Paopao’s development and impact on the team are central to the Gamecocks’ continued success.

This article will take a deep dive into Te-Hina Paopao’s role on the South Carolina women’s basketball team, her evolution as a player under Coach Staley, and her potential for leading the Gamecocks to even greater heights. We’ll also explore how her qualities as a player align with Coach Staley’s vision for South Carolina basketball and how Paopao’s style of play complements the Gamecocks’ culture.

Early Years and Background: The Foundations of Te-Hina Paopao’s Game

Before Te-Hina Paopao became a household name in women’s college basketball, she was already making waves in her home state of California. Born in 2002, Paopao hails from Hawaiian Gardens, a small city in Southern California. Growing up, she was surrounded by basketball talent, which fueled her passion for the game from an early age. Her father, a former player himself, played a significant role in introducing her to the sport, and Paopao quickly demonstrated an affinity for the game.

Te-Hina Paopao played her high school basketball at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where she quickly garnered attention for her all-around play. As a standout point guard, Paopao showcased an innate ability to create scoring opportunities for her teammates, while also maintaining a strong scoring presence herself. Her leadership and ability to control the tempo of the game drew the attention of college scouts, and she quickly became one of the most coveted recruits in the nation.

What stood out about Paopao even in her high school days was her poise on the court. Her basketball IQ was already advanced beyond her years, and her versatility as both a scorer and a facilitator made her a dual threat. This combination of skills, along with her tenacity and high work ethic, made her an ideal fit for a program like South Carolina, which demands excellence on both ends of the floor.

College Recruitment and Decision to Join South Carolina

As one of the top point guard recruits in the nation, Paopao had her pick of top-tier programs, but she ultimately chose to commit to South Carolina in 2020. This decision was influenced by a number of factors, including Coach Dawn Staley’s reputation as one of the top coaches in the game, the Gamecocks’ established success, and the opportunity to contribute to a program that was always in the hunt for a national championship.

South Carolina’s aggressive style of play, emphasis on defense, and relentless approach to rebounding were all qualities that appealed to Paopao. She knew that joining the Gamecocks meant stepping into a program with high expectations and a history of winning—something that would challenge her to develop her game further and put her skills to the test at the highest level of women’s basketball.

Paopao’s decision to join South Carolina was not only a testament to her basketball ability but also to her mindset. She was ready to take on the challenge of playing in the SEC, one of the toughest conferences in the country, and knew that under Coach Staley’s guidance, she would have the opportunity to grow into a well-rounded player who could make an immediate impact.

Playing Style and Skill Set: What Makes Paopao Stand Out

Te-Hina Paopao is the epitome of the modern point guard: dynamic, aggressive, and unafraid to take charge of a game. Her skill set allows her to excel in a variety of roles on the court, but it’s her basketball IQ and leadership that truly set her apart. Paopao is not just a player who scores or facilitates—she does both while making her teammates better and ensuring the team runs smoothly.

Scoring and Shooting Ability
One of Paopao’s greatest assets is her ability to score the basketball from almost anywhere on the court. While she’s known for her ability to drive to the basket with precision and finesse, she also possesses a reliable outside shot, making her a dual threat. Paopao has a smooth jumper that allows her to stretch the defense, pulling opposing players out of the paint and opening up lanes for her teammates. Her ability to knock down threes at critical moments makes her a significant scoring threat for South Carolina, which often relies on both inside play and perimeter shooting to keep defenses on their toes.

Her finishing ability around the rim is also exceptional. Despite not having the size or physicality of some of the Gamecocks’ post players, Paopao is able to navigate through traffic and finish with creativity and confidence. Whether it’s with a euro-step or a contested floater, Paopao’s ability to score in the paint has been vital to South Carolina’s offensive schemes.

Court Vision and Playmaking
Paopao is a natural playmaker. She excels at setting up her teammates, using her vision and awareness to make pinpoint passes. Her ability to drive and dish, to control the pace of the game, and to make the right decision under pressure are hallmarks of her playmaking. Paopao doesn’t just score; she elevates the play of those around her. Whether it’s creating open shots for the Gamecocks’ shooters or feeding the ball into the post for Aliyah Boston or Kamilla Cardoso, Paopao is always looking for ways to make her teammates better.

Her ability to read defenses and make quick decisions is a critical asset for South Carolina, especially in transition. The Gamecocks thrive on fast breaks, and Paopao’s court vision makes her one of the best at pushing the ball up the floor and finding open teammates in stride.

Defense and Intensity
Another area where Paopao excels is on the defensive end. Coach Staley, a former point guard herself, demands defensive excellence from her players, and Paopao has embraced that philosophy. Despite being listed at just 5’9″, Paopao’s tenacity and physicality allow her to disrupt opposing offenses and guard players across multiple positions. Her quick feet, active hands, and ability to read passing lanes make her a constant threat for steals.

On-ball defense is one of Paopao’s specialties. She has the ability to lock down opposing guards, pressuring the ball and preventing easy entry passes. Paopao’s defensive contributions often lead to fast-break opportunities for the Gamecocks, and her ability to set the tone defensively has been an essential component of South Carolina’s success.

Leadership and Poise
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Paopao’s game is her leadership. In a high-pressure, fast-paced environment like South Carolina, having a point guard who can stay calm under pressure and lead the team is invaluable. Paopao exudes confidence and maturity beyond her years. Whether the Gamecocks are down in a big game or trying to close out a tough opponent, Paopao is a steadying force on the court. Her ability to lead by example—both through her actions and her communication—helps keep the team focused and motivated. Coach Staley has praised Paopao for her mental toughness and her ability to thrive in clutch situations, qualities that are essential for a player who controls the ball as much as Paopao does.

Coach Staley’s Trust in Paopao: A Key Player for South Carolina

Under Coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has cultivated a culture of toughness, resilience, and unselfish basketball, and Te-Hina Paopao has embraced all of those values. Staley, known for her attention to detail and commitment to developing players both mentally and physically, has helped Paopao refine her game year after year. From her early days as a highly touted freshman to her current role as one of the team’s most important leaders, Paopao’s growth under Staley’s tutelage has been significant.

Coach Staley’s trust in Paopao is evident in the way she is used on the court. Paopao is often tasked with taking on difficult defensive assignments, running the offense, and providing leadership in critical moments. Staley’s coaching philosophy revolves around building a team-first mentality, and Paopao’s unselfishness and team-oriented approach perfectly align with that philosophy.

As a leader for the Gamecocks, Paopao is often the one to rally her teammates, especially in moments of adversity. Her ability to communicate on the court and set the tone for the rest of the team has been a key factor in South Carolina’s success, both in the SEC and on the national stage.

Paopao’s Role in South Carolina’s Pursuit of Another NCAA Title

As the Gamecocks continue to pursue their goals of winning another NCAA Championship, Te-Hina Paopao will play a central

role in that pursuit. Her all-around skills—scoring, facilitating, defending, and leading—are essential to South Carolina’s chances at success. Coach Staley knows that having a player like Paopao on the roster provides a solid foundation for the team’s championship aspirations.

With the Gamecocks facing tough competition from other top programs in women’s college basketball, Paopao’s ability to perform in high-pressure games and her leadership under fire will be crucial. Whether it’s in the SEC Tournament or during March Madness, Paopao’s experience, talent, and mentality will be a driving force for South Carolina as they aim for another national title.

 Paopao’s Legacy and Future

Te-Hina Paopao has already established herself as one of the premier guards in women’s college basketball, and her legacy at South Carolina is only just beginning to take shape. Under the guidance of Coach Staley, Paopao has developed into a well-rounded player who contributes to every aspect of the game. With her combination of skill, leadership, and mental toughness, Paopao is poised to lead the Gamecocks to even greater heights in the coming seasons.

As South Carolina looks to build on their legacy as a dominant force in women’s basketball, Te-Hina Paopao will undoubtedly play a central role in continuing the program’s success. Whether it’s scoring, creating plays, or locking down on defense, Paopao is a player who will continue to define the Gamecocks’ style of play and their quest for more championships. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Paopao as she looks to lead her team to another NCAA title and cement her place as one of the most dynamic and impactful guards in the country.