Bree Hall
A New Chapter Begins
After a standout collegiate career with the South Carolina Gamecocks, where she helped the program to multiple national championships, Bree Hall is now embarking on the next phase of her professional journey. She was selected 20th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. (WNBA)
Shortly thereafter, she took a significant step overseas by signing with the Mainland Pouākai of the New Zealand-based Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa league. (Mainland Pouākai)
This move signals a strategic decision by Hall to refine her craft, take on bigger roles and expand her game before asserting herself fully in the WNBA.
Why the Mainland Pouākai Move Matters
From the announcement:
“She’s a high-character, two-way player … Defensively, she’ll help set the tone with her length and athleticism, while offensively she’ll give us another threat in transition and from the perimeter.” (Mainland Pouākai)
Several key take-aways:
- The Pouākai coaching staff explicitly highlighted Hall’s defensive upside, pointing out that she can guard multiple positions (1-4) and bring physicality at both ends. (Mainland Pouākai)
- Offensively, Hall is described as a guard with size, the ability to “push the pace in transition,” and an outside shooting threat (“capable from the three-point line”) in addition to attacking the rim. (Mainland Pouākai)
- The opportunity in New Zealand gives Hall a chance to play meaningful minutes, take on larger responsibilities than she may initially get in the WNBA, and fine-tune the aspects of her game that will be required at the highest level (versatility, shot creation, defense).
Hall’s South Carolina Legacy & How It Sets Her Up
During her time at South Carolina, Hall:
- Played in a program that achieved historic success: multiple NCAA championships, a dominant SEC run, and participation in national title games. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
- Showed steady improvement: from a modest freshman role (2.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg) to being a full-time starter in the 2023–24 season where she averaged 9.2 ppg and 2.9 rpg. (ESPN.com)
- Demonstrated big-game composure: performances such as 11 points on 62.5 % shooting in the national semifinal against Texas highlighted her capacity to step up in high-stakes situations. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
This background provides Hall both the pedigree and the foundation needed to take on a more prominent role with the Pouākai: she knows how to win, understands team defense and has shown she can contribute in multiple ways.
What to Watch: Early Updates & Performance Indicators
While detailed statistics from her Pouākai games are still emerging, here are the key performance indicators that will show how Hall is adapting and thriving in her new role:
- Minutes and usage: Is she getting consistent playing time? This overseas opportunity likely offers more court time than her early WNBA role.
- Defensive assignments: Given the testimony from her coach, seeing her guard multiple positions, accumulate steals/deflections or influence opponent shot-selection will validate the defensive expectation.
- Three-point shooting & transition attacking: The Pouākai explicitly mentioned her shooting and transition abilities; tracking her three-point attempts and conversion rate will reveal how that part of her game is evolving.
- Impact in key moments: Hall’s value at South Carolina included timely buckets and defensive stops. Watching how she contributes in clutch moments overseas will indicate readiness for the next level.
Why This Matters for the Gamecocks & Beyond
For South Carolina fans and alumni, Hall’s professional journey is a point of pride: one of their own is growing, evolving and representing the program internationally. Her success overseas will reflect positively on the Gamecocks’ development pipeline—and might raise recruiting momentum.
For Hall personally, this is a smart strategic move. By taking a role where she can expand her game, play, and hone her leadership in a different environment, she positions herself to return to the WNBA stronger, more refined and ready to contribute in a more significant way.
Final Word
Bree Hall’s transition from a decorated collegiate career at South Carolina to a professional stint abroad with Mainland Pouākai sets the stage for a major growth chapter. She brings championship experience, defensive acumen, size, and versatility — all the tools to thrive in New Zealand and beyond. If she delivers on the promise of increased shooting, playmaking, and defensive dominance, this move could mark the launching pad for her next level in the WNBA.
