What happens when one of the coldest snipers in college basketball decides it’s time to go pro? You clear the runway. Because Te-Hina Paopao isn’t just a shooter, she’s a problem you can’t game-plan against. With the 2025 WNBA Draft approaching, Paopao isn’t waiting in the shadows. She’s stepping into the spotlight, range locked in, legacy in motion. And if you think she’s just another guard with a sweet stroke, you haven’t been paying attention.
At 5’9″, Paopao led South Carolina through a national title run with the poise of a seasoned vet and the fire of someone who’s not done winning. She shot a ridiculous 46.8% from deep during the 2023–24 season (go ahead, re-read that number) and proved she could lead, adapt, and elevate under pressure.
She’s calm. She’s clutching. And she’s ready for the league. The only thing left to decide? Which team is lucky enough to call her name?
What are the top landing spots for Te-Hina Paopao in the 2025 WNBA Draft?
Let’s start with the loudest buzz: the Chicago Sky. Most mock drafts have Paopao headed to the Windy City at the No. 10 spot. And it’s easy to see why. Chicago needs shooting. They need a backcourt brain. And after a rollercoaster of a season, they need someone who won’t flinch when the lights get bright.
Enter Paopao. Her catch-and-shoot efficiency, off-ball movement, and cool demeanor under pressure fit the bill for a team looking to reload with purpose. As Pro Football Network pointed out, “Her leadership in South Carolina’s national championship run have significantly boosted her draft stock.”
But is Chicago where she should go? Because there’s a team watching the guard carousel spin with one eye on the present and the other on the future: the New York Liberty. They’ve already got firepower—Sabrina Ionescu, Courtney Vandersloot, Breanna Stewart—but Vandersloot won’t run the show forever. If she retires soon, Liberty will need a new quarterback. Someone who can space the floor, make smart reads, and handle the ball in crunch time.
Sound familiar? Paopao could be the quiet heir to New York’s loud dynasty. Mentored by Sabrina, molded in the Mecca. As Beyond Women’s Sports suggested, “Paopao’s ability to play both guard positions and her sharpshooting skills make her a valuable asset for teams seeking backcourt depth.”
Still not convinced? Let’s talk about the league’s most intriguing new chapter: the Golden State Valkyries. Yes, the WNBA’s shiny new expansion team based in the Bay Area is already making noise. And they’ve got a game plan.
The word is that the Valkyries are building around pace, toughness, and three-point shooting. What better player to set that tone than Paopao? The Bay native already has California in her blood. Pair that with her sniper instincts and calm leadership, and she becomes the perfect foundational piece for an ambitious franchise.
Plus, how poetic would it be for her to go from NorCal high school prodigy to NorCal pro star? As noted in Women’s Basketball News and Opinions, “Given their emphasis on three-point shooting and toughness, Paopao’s profile aligns well with the Valkyries’ team-building strategy.”
The draft’s full of promise. But Paopao’s not promise, she’s proof. And whether she lands in Chicago, gets snatched up by New York, or becomes the face of the Valkyries, one thing is crystal: she’s going to change the tempo of whatever team takes her.
Who is Te-Hina Paopao’s player comparison in the WNBA?
Player comparisons are tricky. Especially when the player in question has the kind of layered game that doesn’t fit neatly into one box. But if there’s one name that echoes when you watch Te-Hina Paopao operate, it’s Sabrina Ionescu.
Like Sabrina, Paopao is surgical. She picks her spots. She doesn’t force the issue. And when it’s time to let it fly, she makes it count. Both guards have that rare blend of commanding the offense while still being lethal without the ball. They don’t need to dominate the ball to dominate the game. That’s not just rare. That’s scary. As Pro Football Network emphasized, “Paopao’s ability to adapt to various roles on the court, combined with her composure under pressure, mirrors Ionescu’s impact in the WNBA.”
But there’s another name that pops up. Not just on the stat sheet, but in Paopao’s journey: Kelsey Plum.
This one hits differently. For Paopao, Kelsey Plum is more than just a role model. She’s proof of what’s possible. They share roots at La Jolla Country Day School, where Plum lit the path that Paopao is now blazing in her way. You can feel the echoes of that legacy in Paopao’s game. Not loud, but intentional. Not flashy, but fierce. Both lit up the high school circuit. And both had to grow through adversity before shining on the biggest stages.
Think of it this way: Ionescu’s vision. Plum’s swagger. Paopao’s icy calm. Mix that up, and you’ve got a guard who’s ready to do more than just survive; she’s ready to thrive.
The WNBA doesn’t hand out legacy. You’ve got to earn it. Te-Hina Paopao knows that. She’d earned it every time she stepped on the court, hit a big shot, or made the right read when the crowd was roaring.
Chicago could grab her and build something stable. New York could slide her in behind superstars and let her marinate into greatness. Golden State could hand her the keys to the castle and say, “Let’s build from scratch.”
Either way, Paopao’s not just another draftee. She’s a tone-setter. A culture-changer. A walking bucket with a championship pedigree and a future that screams All-Star.
The clock’s ticking. The scouts are watching. And when the league announces her name on draft night, don’t be surprised if a collective gasp arises from the scouts. Te-Hina Paopao is coming. And she’s bringing heat.
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