Four former South Carolina Gamecocks are chasing a WNBA championship, and with the Atlanta Dream holding a 2-1 lead over the Golden State Valkyries, the race for a title has become even more exciting. For Te-Hina Paopao, the opportunity represents another chance to experience the thrill of competing for basketball’s biggest prizes.
For South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, this is one of the most rewarding times of the year. As a new college basketball season approaches, the WNBA season reaches its defining moments, giving her another opportunity to watch former Gamecocks compete for professional basketball’s ultimate prize.
This year’s WNBA Finals have added significance, with four players connected to South Carolina’s championship tradition competing on opposite sides of the series.
The Atlanta Dream, featuring Allisha Gray, Madina Okot and Te-Hina Paopao, took a 2-1 series lead over the Golden State Valkyries, who have Laeticia Amihere on their roster. With Game 4 scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. in Atlanta, the Dream have an opportunity to move one step closer to the championship.
For these four former Gamecocks, the stakes are high. For Staley, their presence on basketball’s biggest stage is another reminder of the talent and competitive spirit developed in Columbia.
Allisha Gray Leads Atlanta’s Championship Push
Among the four South Carolina connections, Gray brings the most established professional résumé and a wealth of experience to Atlanta’s championship campaign.
A member of Staley’s first national championship team, Gray has become an important presence for the Dream, contributing both on the court and in the locker room.
Although she finished Game 3 with eight points and five assists, her performance must be considered alongside the impact she made during the opening two games. Gray scored a combined 37 points in Games 1 and 2, demonstrating the offensive ability that has made her such a valuable part of Atlanta’s playoff run.
Her ability to influence a game extends beyond scoring. Whether creating opportunities for teammates, applying defensive pressure or helping the team remain composed during difficult stretches, Gray provides the kind of leadership that can prove decisive in a championship series.
For Paopao, having a fellow Gamecock in that position offers a valuable example of what it takes to succeed at the professional level.
The connection between the players also adds another layer to Atlanta’s story. Their shared South Carolina background creates a bond that stretches beyond the WNBA, linking the Dream’s championship ambitions to the program that helped shape their careers.
Te-Hina Paopao Embraces Her Opportunity
Paopao’s journey to the WNBA Finals has required patience, resilience and a willingness to contribute whenever her team needs her.
Before joining the professional ranks, she experienced the pressure of competing for national championships at South Carolina. She played in two consecutive national title games and helped the Gamecocks capture a championship during an undefeated season.
That experience has given her a valuable understanding of what it takes to remain focused when the stakes are at their highest.
Speaking before the WNBA Finals began, Paopao expressed excitement about sharing the experience with fellow Gamecocks.
“It’s a blessing and we’re just really excited. I get to experience it with my fellow Gamecocks,” she said.
Her enthusiasm reflects the significance of reaching the Finals, particularly alongside players who understand the demands of championship basketball.
Paopao made her first appearance in the Finals during Game 3, giving her an opportunity to contribute as Atlanta continued its pursuit of the title.
However, earning minutes on a championship-caliber roster is not always straightforward. The WNBA has limited roster space, and players must compete with experienced professionals who have spent years establishing themselves in the league.
For a player accustomed to starting throughout much of her basketball career, adjusting to a different role can be challenging.
Paopao, though, understands that preparation remains essential, regardless of how much playing time she receives.
“That’s my role, that’s my job, is to come in, be ready and do my job consistently,” she explained.
She also emphasized the importance of bringing energy to the team, recognizing that contributions do not always appear on the scoreboard.
Her mindset reflects the discipline required to remain prepared for unexpected opportunities in a Finals series, where a single performance can change the momentum of a game.
Madina Okot Adds Another Championship Chapter
Okot’s presence in the Finals offers another compelling connection between South Carolina’s college success and the professional game.
Only months after competing for a national championship in April, she finds herself involved in another title pursuit.
The quick transition illustrates how demanding and rewarding the basketball calendar can be for players who move directly from the college spotlight into the professional environment.
Although Okot has seen limited playing time during the Finals, she contributed three points in Game 3.
Her role may not always attract the same attention as the leading scorers, but championship teams depend on players throughout their rosters remaining prepared and ready to respond.
With Atlanta holding the series advantage, every contribution could become important as the Dream attempt to finish the job.
Okot’s experience also places her among a select group of players navigating championship pressure at multiple levels within the same year.
Laeticia Amihere Keeps the Gamecocks Connection Alive
On the opposite side, Amihere represents the Golden State Valkyries, ensuring that South Carolina’s influence extends across the Finals matchup.
Amihere has recorded seven combined points and rebounds during the series, contributing as the Valkyries attempt to challenge Atlanta’s advantage.
With the Dream leading 2-1, Golden State faces an important opportunity in Game 4. A victory would even the series and restore the Valkyries’ momentum, while another Atlanta win would put the Dream within one victory of the championship.
That competitive divide creates an intriguing subplot: former teammates and fellow Gamecocks are connected through their basketball journeys but now represent opposing organizations with the same ultimate ambition.
Dawn Staley’s Championship Legacy Continues
The success of former South Carolina players on the professional stage is another source of pride for Staley and the Gamecocks program.
Paopao experienced the responsibility of leadership during the 2023-24 season after arriving at South Carolina and joining a team that had lost several important voices.
She adapted to her new environment, helped the team navigate its challenges and finished her first season in Columbia with a national championship.
That experience helped establish a foundation she can draw upon in the WNBA.
Gray’s professional leadership offers another example of the value of preparation, consistency and team-first basketball. Her guidance provides Paopao with an opportunity to learn from a veteran who has already experienced the demands of championship competition.
For Paopao, the journey from winning a college title to pursuing a professional championship represents another step in her development.
Game 4 Could Change Everything
The attention now turns to Saturday’s Game 4 in Atlanta, where the Dream will look to strengthen their grip on the series while the Valkyries attempt to respond.
The key storylines include:
- Atlanta’s advantage: The Dream enter Game 4 with a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
- Gray’s leadership: Her scoring ability and experience could prove important as the championship race intensifies.
- Paopao’s readiness: Her ability to capitalize on opportunities could become increasingly valuable as the series progresses.
- Okot’s contribution: Even limited minutes can matter when championship stakes rise.
- Golden State’s response: Amihere and the Valkyries must find a way to challenge Atlanta’s momentum.
For South Carolina supporters, the series offers four reasons to watch closely. For the players, however, the mission is straightforward: prepare, contribute and seize the opportunity when it arrives.
Paopao has already experienced the joy of winning a national championship. Now, she is chasing another milestone in a different league, surrounded by familiar faces and competing against another former Gamecock.
As the WNBA Finals continue, Te-Hina Paopao and the South Carolina Gamecocks in the WNBA Finals remain a compelling story of championship experience, perseverance and the pursuit of another basketball crown.
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