Dawn Staley sets expectations for Te-Hina Paopao in 2024-25

After transferring to South Carolina from Oregon ahead of last season, Te-Hina Paopao had a breakout campaign. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley believes the senior guard is set to have an even better season this year.

“From a defensive standpoint, I think she’s right where we need her to be. She has taken her game to another level when it comes to that side of the basketball,” Staley said. “I don’t want to see her just rely on her being the best 3-point shooter. I want her to get into the paint. Get some — I want to say easy 2s, but just some paint 2s, some counter to her ability to shoot the outside shot.

“She did a little bit last year, toward the end, though. She didn’t give us much of putting the ball on the floor and creating because she’s really good at it. She’s really savvy with that, and she’s been doing that.”

Paopao’s 3-point shooting prowess is no secret. In the 2023-24 season, Paopao averaged 11.0 points per game while shooting 46.8% from beyond the arc. She also led the team in 3-point field goals made with 87.

The next closest player was Bree Hall with 50 3-pointers made. Perhaps the only talent more admirable about Paopao than her 3-point shooting is her consistency. Paopao started 37 games last season, the most ever in a single season by a Gamecock.

For her efforts, she was named an All-SEC Second Team member and a Second-Team All-American by numerous outlets. However, as Staley mentioned, there was still room for improvement.

Paopao shot worse last season from inside the 3-point arc than behind it. In turn, she often refused to attempt to create her own shots and settled for being a catch-and-shoot threat. Evidently, Paopao won’t be limited to the 3-pointer this season.

Evidently, Staley isn’t the only one who has high expectations for the California native. On Thursday, ESPN released its annual preseason Top-25 players list for the 2024-2025 season. Paopao landed at No. 16 on the prestigious list.

South Carolina fans won’t have to wait much longer to see Te-Hina Paopao and her fellow Gamecocks in action. On Monday, South Carolina will square off against the Michigan Wolverines at 7:30 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The game will air live on TNT and TruTV.