A Rookie season can make or break a player. Those who survive the adversity go on to make a mark in the league. Those who take a step back or get discouraged by the failures lose the long-term career race. Many players feel pressure in the first season, but the 2025 rookie, Te-Hina Paopao, wants to take on her shortcomings for a long, successful career.
Entering the league as a former NCAA champion, she had to settle for a bench role in Atlanta Dreams. But despite gushing over it, the California-born star is looking to make this a learning opportunity. The star recently opened up to the media about her journey so far in the league.
Te-Hina Paopao Talks About Rookie Season Lessons
The 2025 rookie made some remarkable plays in the Atlanta Jersey. She is one of the fan favorites in a short period of time. Yet there is room for development, and the 22-year-old understands the task playing along side Brittney Griner and the strong forward lineup.
“It’s a mental game with defense. If you want to play defense, you’re going to play defense. If you don’t, then you don’t. But I want to play defense, so I’ve got to tell myself to move them puppies. You gotta move your feet. Be there for your teammates, because they’re depending on you,” the star guard explained.
The player mentioned that she is frustrated with the ball screens. Being the first line of defense, the star deals with several screens, and she is learning to get over the same to help her side maintain the defensive pressure.
100 POINTS MADE! 💥💥@tehinapaopaoo has officially hit 100 career points and she’s just getting started.#DoItForTheDream pic.twitter.com/yB8YkAoTyF
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) July 16, 2025
While an offensively strong guard is looking to add defense to her gameplay, she is still one of the top three-point shooters in the league. With 45% accuracy, she ranks amongst the top 10 range shooters in W this season.
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Atlanta Coach Praises Rookie Te-Hina Paopao
The Atlanta Dream needed a guard as backup for Allisha Gray. They had 18th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft and must have prayed for their target Paopao to be available till then. They were on the clock and wasted no time selecting the South Carolina star.
“She’s aggressively seeking her shot. She’s trying to get open. Any opportunity somebody turns their back for a second, there’s a long rebound and they’re no longer attached to you, she’s going to find an opening where she can get the ball, call for it, and she’s ready to knock it down. She has a very quick release, so if you give her just a couple of feet, she can get that thing off,” head coach Smesko said.
The coach lauded her aggressive play and ability to create opportunities for others. While Gray still holds the more authoritative role at the position, the youngster is learning fast and understands the ‘pro-level’ gameplay.
The star earned just five starts in the lineup, yet she is clocking 13 minutes for the team. Averaging around five points, two rebounds and two assists she is looking to slid in with the strong Dream side.
Also Read: Atlanta Dream’s Playoff Hopes Hinge On Solving Costly Inconsistency After Valkyries Defeat