Former Gamecocks Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall Make Their Athletes Unlimited Debut
Athletes Unlimited officially welcomed its newest faces this week, and for South Carolina fans, AU media day came with a familiar and joyful sight.
Former Gamecocks Te-Hina Paopao and Bree Hall made their first official Athletes Unlimited appearances, marking a new chapter in their professional journeys. The moment wasn’t just about basketball resumes or league introductions — it was about personality, pride, and unmistakable Gamecock energy.
AU’s media day featured the league’s newest players stepping in front of cameras, posing for photos, and introducing themselves to fans across the country. For Paopao and Hall, it was their first chance to represent themselves as AU pros — but it didn’t take long for their South Carolina roots to shine through.
Paopao, as always, stole the moment.
While filling out her Athletes Unlimited board, the former Gamecock guard wrote “South Cackalackin”, instantly sending fans into a frenzy. The playful nod to her college home summed up everything Gamecock fans love about Paopao — unapologetically herself, effortlessly funny, and deeply connected to the program that helped shape her.
Social media quickly lit up with reactions, with fans laughing, sharing screenshots, and celebrating Paopao’s refusal to let go of her South Carolina identity.
Bree Hall’s AU debut carried a quieter but equally meaningful presence. Known throughout her college career for her defensive intensity, toughness, and leadership, Hall stepped into AU media day with the same calm confidence she displayed in garnet and black. Her transition to the pro ranks represents another milestone for a player who was instrumental in South Carolina’s championship-era dominance.
Both Paopao and Hall arrive at Athletes Unlimited as part of a growing wave of former Gamecocks continuing their basketball careers at the professional level. Their presence reinforces South Carolina’s reputation as one of the premier pipelines to pro basketball, particularly within player-driven leagues like AU.
Athletes Unlimited offers a unique environment, emphasizing individual performance, versatility, and adaptability — traits both Paopao and Hall showcased consistently during their time under Dawn Staley. For Paopao, her shooting, pace control, and infectious personality make her a natural fit. For Hall, her defense-first mentality and ability to guard multiple positions translate seamlessly to AU’s fast-paced format.
Media day may have been lighthearted, but it also signaled something bigger: the beginning of new professional stories for two players who already left an indelible mark on South Carolina basketball.
And if Paopao’s “South Cackalackin” message is any indication, no matter how far their careers take them, Gamecock Nation is never far behind 🐓🧡
just tell me 👀
