In just a year as the Atlanta Dream head coach, Karl Smesko has proven to be an exceptional man-manager. And he couldn't resist himself from lauding Te-Hina Paopao's game after his side's recent feat.

After the Dream's first preseason game against the Chicago Sky on April 29, Smesko lauded the 23-year-old's performance during a post-match press conference. Paopao scored an impressive 13 points, 4 assists, and 3 boards in 24 minutes.

"... They [players] were just in the locker room, said how great she [Paopao] was at settling them down and making sure that when something bad happened, they were on to the next play," Smesko said, per reporter Wilton C. Jackson II.

The Dream HC also commended the chemistry between Paopao and Jordin Canada, stating that he liked what he saw.

"... I think that's something that we could throw out. And I thought it looked pretty good with them together." The 55-year-old said.

Paopao is currently entering her sophomore year with the Dream after wrapping her rookie season with valuable playoff experience and a clear understanding of where her game needs to go next.

The guard averaged 5.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game during her first professional season.

Paopao started her college career in Oregon before getting coached under Dawn Staley in South Carolina, where she was part of an undefeated national championship in 2024.

“South Carolina prepared me really well for the pros. And shout out to Coach Staley and them,” she said.

While getting coached by Staley is a luxury most WNBA rookies don't receive, Paopao did not stop her pursuit to become a better player since then.

In the offseason, the 23-year-old participated in the Athletes Unlimited tournament.

Te-Hina Paopao Opted for Athletes Unlimited over Overseas Leagues

While most WNBA players choose to go the overseas route during the offseason for some extra cash, Paopao wanted to stay in the US and packed her bags for Nashville, Tennessee.

“What drew me was being able to stay in the States. I know a lot of people before me, generations before me, had to go overseas to play basketball, but I’m fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play in the States." Paopao said.

She added, "So that was a really big part of why I chose AU. And just a five-on-five setting. I thought that really could help my game as well, going into my second year into the league.”

In 12 games in the AU, the Dream guard averaged 7.1 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 36.7% from the field. She honed her point guard abilities while playing almost 23 minutes per game.

More and more players are opting to stay in the States during the offseason, with leagues like Unrivaled, Athletes Unlimited, and the upcoming Project B becoming popular by the day.

How do you feel about this change? Or do you prefer the best players to show off their talents overseas?

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Souvik Roy