Local hoop star Te-Hina Paopao selected 18th in WNBA Draft

Local women's hoops star Te-Hina Paopao was drafted with the 18th pick by the Atlanta Dream in yesterday's WNBA draft.

Why it matters: Paopao is from Oceanside and was a McDonald's All American and Gatorade California Play of the Year at La Jolla Country Day School.

• The guard earned all-conference distinction in all of her college seasons (three at Oregon, and two at South Carolina).
• She helped the Gamecocks win the national championship in 2024 and return to the title game in 2025.

The big picture: LJCD has a history of producing WNBA players.

• Kelsey Plum now plays for the Los Angeles Sparks. She has won two WNBA championships and made three all-star teams in her seven-year career.
• Candice Wiggins was the third pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, and won one championship and one sixth woman of the year award in her eight-year career.