South Carolina Women’s Basketball: A Powerhouse in the WNBA Draft
The South Carolina women’s basketball program has established itself as a dominant force in college basketball, consistently producing top-tier talent that translates seamlessly into the WNBA. With six players selected in the first or second round of the last three WNBA Drafts, the Gamecocks are poised to continue this trend in the upcoming draft.
Gamecocks Poised for Another Strong WNBA Draft
This April, the Gamecocks have multiple players who could hear their names called during the WNBA Draft. Tankathon’s updated mock draft highlights two standout players from South Carolina: Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin.
Te-Hina Paopao: A Perfect Fit for the Las Vegas Aces
Tankathon’s mock draft lists guard Te-Hina Paopao as a potential No. 13 overall pick. Following an offseason trade, the Las Vegas Aces now own this pick. If Paopao were to join the Aces, she would be reuniting with fellow Gamecock legends A’ja Wilson and Tiffany Mitchell. Paopao’s shooting ability and secondary creation skills would be a perfect fit for the Aces’ roster.
During her two years at South Carolina, Paopao has been named an All-American twice. Her impact on the Gamecocks has been monumental, making her one of the top options for a team many consider a favorite to repeat as national champions.
Sania Feagin: A Versatile Addition to the Minnesota Lynx
Just two picks later at No. 15, Tankathon has post player Sania Feagin coming off the board to the Minnesota Lynx. The Lynx already boast strong post players like Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith, but a two-way big like Feagin would be a valuable addition. Feagin waited her turn at South Carolina, becoming a starter this season and stepping up her game after Ashlyn Watkins’ season-ending injury. She earned defensive All-SEC recognition despite playing out of position at center all year.
Raven Johnson: A Dark Horse for the Draft
In addition to Paopao and Feagin, redshirt junior Raven Johnson has garnered some WNBA Draft attention. While she hasn’t made any public decision about her future, Johnson is draft-eligible. Some projections position her in the second or third round. If she decides to go pro, her draft stock could improve with another year in college to showcase her consistent ability to put the ball in the basket, along with her elite on-ball defense and strong facilitation skills.
Key Dates and Broadcast Information
The WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 14th at 7:30 p.m. in New York City. ESPN will broadcast the three-round event, while the ESPN app makes it available for streaming. For now, though, South Carolina will begin its NCAA Tournament run on Friday, playing the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at 4:00 p.m. at Colonial Life Arena and on ESPN.
| Player | Position | Mock Draft Pick | Potential Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Te-Hina Paopao | Guard | No. 13 overall | Las Vegas Aces |
| Sania Feagin | Post | No. 15 overall | Minnesota Lynx |
| Raven Johnson | Guard | 2nd or 3rd round | TBD |
Did You Know?
The South Carolina women’s basketball program has a rich history of producing WNBA talent. Players like A’ja Wilson and Tiffany Mitchell have gone on to become WNBA stars, and this year’s draft class is poised to continue that legacy.
Pro Tips
For fans looking to stay updated on the Gamecocks, consider subscribing to the USC Gamecocks app for notifications and exclusive content. Additionally, keeping an eye on Tankathon’s mock drafts can provide valuable insights into where South Carolina’s top players might land in the WNBA Draft.
FAQ Section
Q: When is the WNBA Draft?
A: The WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 14th at 7:30 p.m. in New York City.
Q: Who are the top Gamecock players in this year’s draft?
A: Te-Hina Paopao and Sania Feagin are the top Gamecock players in this year’s draft, with Raven Johnson also garnering attention.
Q: Where can I watch the WNBA Draft?
A: ESPN will broadcast the three-round event, while the ESPN app makes it available for streaming.
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