Three Gamecocks Eye WNBA Dreams in 2025 Draft
The 2025 WNBA Draft is set for Monday night, and three standout seniors from South Carolina women’s basketball—Te-Hina Paopao, Sania Feagin, and Bree Hall—have the potential to hear their names called by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
If any of the trio is selected, it would mark the fourth consecutive year that a former Gamecock is drafted. And if one lands in the first round, it will be the third straight draft in which South Carolina produces a first-round talent.
Te-Hina Paopao: Likely First-Rounder
Mock draft projections have Te-Hina Paopao firmly in first-round territory:
- Yahoo Sports: No. 6 – Washington Mystics
- Tankathon: No. 8 – Connecticut Sun
- The Athletic / USA Today: No. 10 – Chicago Sky
- Sports Illustrated: No. 12 – Dallas Wings
- ESPN Best Available: No. 14
Paopao, a sharp-shooting guard, was instrumental in leading the Gamecocks to an undefeated 2024 season and a national championship. She topped the nation with a 46.8% 3-point shooting percentage and earned All-American honors, averaging 9.4 points per game.
“She began her career as a point guard at Oregon, but in two seasons with the Gamecocks, Paopao has evolved into more of a 2 guard/shooter — and a good one at that,” said ESPN’s Charlie Creme. “Her experience both on and off the ball will translate to the next level if her quickness is good enough.”
Over her career, Paopao played in 153 games, averaging 11.4 points and shooting 40% from deep.
Sania Feagin: Rising Draft Stock
- ESPN: No. 10 – Chicago Sky
- Tankathon: No. 19 – Indiana Fever
- ESPN Best Available: No. 16
Sania Feagin’s draft buzz surged late in the season. The 6-foot-5 forward made her mark on both ends of the court, earning:
- All-SEC Defensive Team honors
- All-SEC Tournament Team
- NCAA All-Regional Team (March)
She averaged a career-best 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
“A 6-foot-5 wingspan and a high basketball IQ has made Feagin into a good prospect as a defender,” said Charlie Creme. “Her offensive game began to show promise late this season, but her real value lies as a screener and offensive rebounder.”
Coach Dawn Staley showed unwavering belief in Feagin, predicting she’d be a lottery pick ahead of the title game. Feagin was also officially invited to attend the draft in person.
Bree Hall: Underrated and Respected
- ESPN Best Available: No. 44
While Bree Hall doesn’t currently appear in major mock drafts, her resume speaks for itself. She helped South Carolina win two national championships and appeared in 147 career games—more than any four-year player in Gamecock history.
This season, she averaged 6.3 points and 3 rebounds, earning high praise from Staley, who called her one of the best defenders she’s ever coached.
“Breezy is an elite defender,” Staley wrote in a social media post. “Give her the assignment, and she will carry it out. She competes at a high level every time she steps onto the floor. Her offense has continued to improve. She can finish at the rim, and she has always had a knack for making timely 3-pointers.”
Whether drafted or not, Hall is expected to have professional opportunities either in the WNBA or overseas.
How to Watch the 2025 WNBA Draft
- Date: Monday, April 14
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: The Shed at Hudson Yards, New York City
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN App
