Te-Hina Paopao is an American professional basketball player who plays as a guard for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. Known for her poise, elite shooting, and leadership, she starred at both Oregon and South Carolina before being drafted in 2025.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Te-Hina Olive-Talaave Paopao
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Date of Birth: August 21, 2002
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Place of Birth: Oceanside, California, USA
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Height: 5’9″ (1.75 m)
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Position: Guard
High School Career
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Attended La Jolla Country Day School in California.
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As a senior, averaged 22.7 points, 8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 steals per game, leading her team to a 32–1 record and a No. 1 national ranking.
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Earned McDonald’s All-American honors, California Gatorade Player of the Year, and Ms. Basketball titles.
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Rated a five-star recruit and one of the top guards in the nation.
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Overcame two ACL injuries early in high school but returned to dominate as an upperclassman.
College Career
Oregon (2020–2023)
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Became Oregon’s starting point guard as a freshman, replacing Sabrina Ionescu.
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Averaged 10.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game as a freshman, earning All-Pac-12 and All-Freshman honors.
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Sophomore year: 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists per game; repeated as All-Pac-12 selection.
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Junior year: 13.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists per game; All-Pac-12 honorable mention.
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Known for her elite 3-point shooting (44% as a junior) and leadership through adversity.
South Carolina (2023–2024)
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Transferred to South Carolina for her senior season, recruited for her shooting and experience.
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Started all 37 games, helping lead the Gamecocks to SEC regular-season and tournament championships.
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Named All-SEC Second Team and earned All-America honors.
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Set a program record with 14 three-pointers in a single NCAA Tournament.
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Finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Award.
WNBA Career
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Drafted in the 2nd round (18th overall) of the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream.
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Began her professional career with the Dream in the 2025 season.
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite three-point shooting, high basketball IQ, calm under pressure, strong playmaking and leadership
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Style:
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Versatile guard, effective as both a scorer and facilitator, known for composure and decision-making
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Achievements & Honors
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McDonald’s All-American, California Gatorade Player of the Year (high school)
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Three-time All-Pac-12 selection (Oregon)
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All-SEC Second Team, All-America honors (South Carolina)
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Nancy Lieberman Award finalist (2024)
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2025 WNBA Draft pick (Atlanta Dream)
FAQs About Te-Hina Paopao
What position does Te-Hina Paopao play?
Guard
Which team does she play for?
Atlanta Dream (WNBA)
How old is Te-Hina Paopao?
22 (born August 21, 2002)
What are her main achievements?
All-American, All-SEC and All-Pac-12 honors, McDonald’s All-American, NCAA Tournament record for 3-pointers, WNBA draft pick
What is her playing style?
Elite shooter, poised playmaker, and versatile leader at the guard spot
Conclusion
Te-Hina Paopao is a rising star in the WNBA, bringing elite shooting, leadership, and versatility from her standout college career at Oregon and South Carolina to the Atlanta Dream. Her resilience and skill set make her a promising young guard to watch.
