Te-Hina Paopao’s First WNBA Basket: A Moment Years in the Making

For Te-Hina Paopao, the journey to the WNBA has been anything but ordinary. From battling early injuries in high school to becoming a standout at Oregon and South Carolina, her path to professional basketball has been one of persistence, quiet strength, and unshakable vision. And on a crisp night in May, wearing the bold red and white of the Atlanta Dream, Paopao finally saw that journey reach a new peak—her first-ever WNBA points.

It wasn’t a buzzer-beater. It wasn’t a flashy three-pointer from the logo. But to Te-Hina, and to fans who’ve followed her since her Pac-12 days, it meant everything.

A Quiet Entrance, A Loud Statement

The Dream’s matchup that night wasn’t one circled on national calendars. It was early in the season, against a mid-tier opponent, and the eyes of the sports world were largely elsewhere. But inside the arena, a palpable buzz surrounded Paopao’s minutes on the floor. It had been anticipated for days—would this be the night she finally broke into the scoring column?

Midway through the second quarter, the moment arrived. Off a high pick-and-roll, Paopao slipped into the lane, took a sharp bounce pass from Haley Jones, and pulled up for a smooth mid-range jumper. Swish. Two points. Crowd roar. A small moment, maybe, but history nonetheless.

As she ran back on defense, cameras caught a small smile forming on her face. Her teammates on the bench erupted in support, clapping and shouting. And the arena, modest in attendance but rich in energy, stood and applauded the rookie’s breakthrough.

The Long Road to the League

For many, this was simply another rookie scoring her first bucket. But to those who know Paopao’s story, the emotion behind that jump shot ran deep.

She was once the No. 4 overall recruit in the country—compared to legends like Sue Bird for her poise, court vision, and lethal shooting touch. But injuries in high school and college—torn ligaments, ankle sprains, and conditioning struggles—often slowed her momentum. At Oregon, she became known not just for her game, but for her resilience. And when she transferred to South Carolina under Coach Dawn Staley, she didn’t just reinvent her role; she reminded everyone of her potential on the biggest stages.

Coach Staley had famously said, “Te-Hina doesn’t need noise to make an impact. Her game speaks.”

That game is now speaking on the WNBA level.

Fan Reactions: “It Gave Me Chills”

The clip of Paopao’s first basket quickly made the rounds on social media. ESPNW posted a highlight reel with the caption: “Remember the name. Te-Hina Paopao’s WNBA journey has officially begun.”

Fans responded with emotion:

“I’ve been following her since her freshman year at Oregon. This gave me chills.”

“That shot was more than 2 points. It was her proving she belongs.”

“Dream got a sleeper in Paopao. Just wait.”

Even former WNBA players like Ticha Penicheiro and Renee Montgomery chimed in, praising her composure and instincts: “She lets the game come to her. I like that.”

Not Just a Moment—A Preview of What’s Coming

While the basket was momentous, it’s the bigger picture that excites the Atlanta Dream faithful. Paopao’s integration into the roster has been gradual—Coach Tanisha Wright has emphasized defense-first, patient development for her younger guards. But with a backcourt that includes Allisha Gray, Haley Jones, and veteran Aari McDonald, there’s room for Paopao to grow without immediate pressure.

In limited minutes, she’s already shown flashes of brilliance. Her pick-and-roll reads are advanced for a rookie. She has a silky shooting form and doesn’t force the issue. But most importantly, she looks like she belongs.

“She’s cool under pressure,” said teammate Cheyenne Parker. “That’s something you don’t teach.”

Coach Wright added postgame: “Te-Hina works hard in silence. You don’t always notice it, but tonight you saw what she can become.”

What’s Next for Te-Hina Paopao?

One basket doesn’t define a career—but it often ignites one. With her first points now in the books, Paopao is poised to play a bigger role moving forward. The Dream are still figuring out their rotation, especially in crunch time, and Paopao’s ability to stretch the floor and make smart decisions could become a major asset as the season unfolds.

Fans are already calling for more minutes. Some believe she’s the missing piece to a deeper playoff run. While it’s too early to tell, one thing is clear: Te-Hina Paopao is no longer just a prospect with promise. She’s a professional scorer in the best women’s basketball league on the planet.