Te-Hina Paopao Is Quietly Rewriting the Rules for WNBA Shooters—As a Rookie

In a league dominated by high-flying athletes, lightning-fast guards, and veteran sharpshooters, one rookie is defying expectations—not with power, but with precision.

Te-Hina Paopao, a name some WNBA fans may not have known at the start of the season, is now topping leaderboards in a category that defines modern basketball: three-point shooting. As of late June, the Las Vegas Aces rookie is hitting 57.1% of her shots from beyond the arc—the highest percentage in the entire league, and by a wide margin.

That’s not just good for a rookie. That’s historic.

A Surprising Star in the Shadows

While much of the national spotlight has focused on Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking performances, Angel Reese’s rebounding dominance, and Kamilla Cardoso’s emergence in the paint, Paopao has quietly built a case as the most efficient shooter of the 2025 rookie class—perhaps even of the entire league.

No flashy headlines. No viral clips. Just buckets.

“She doesn’t make noise—she just makes shots,” said one assistant coach after a recent Aces shootaround. “Every time she releases, you expect it to go in. And most of the time, it does.”

From Oregon to South Carolina to Vegas

Paopao’s journey to WNBA sharpshooting royalty wasn’t linear.

She began her college career at the University of Oregon, where she quickly made a name for herself as a reliable combo guard with great shooting mechanics. But it wasn’t until she transferred to the University of South Carolina that her national stock truly began to rise.

Under head coach Dawn Staley, Paopao became a crucial part of the Gamecocks’ deep tournament run, showcasing not just her shooting range but her composure in big moments. She hit timely shots, made smart passes, and played with the poise of a pro long before she declared for the draft.

When the Las Vegas Aces selected her in the second round, it was seen as a low-risk, high-upside pick. But few expected this kind of impact—especially not this early.

57.1% From Three? That’s Not Normal.

To put Paopao’s shooting into perspective:

The league average three-point percentage hovers around 33%.

Most top shooters aim to stay above 40% to be considered elite.

Even legends like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Kelsey Plum rarely touched 50% over a full season.

Paopao? She’s currently sitting at 57.1%—a number that almost feels made-up. And it’s not on low volume. She’s taking smart, in-rhythm shots and drilling them with alarming consistency.

“I just play within the offense,” Paopao told reporters earlier this month. “I know my role, and I try to take the best shot available. It’s not about how many—I just want them to be the right ones.”

That mindset is clearly paying off.

Perfect Fit in a Championship System

The Las Vegas Aces didn’t need another star. With A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young already leading a back-to-back championship core, what they needed was depth. And Paopao delivered.

“She’s the type of player who can play 15 minutes and change the game,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “You don’t draw up a lot for her, but when the ball finds her? Cash.”

Hammon has also praised Paopao’s off-ball movement, quick decision-making, and her willingness to play defense—an area many rookies struggle to adjust to at the pro level.

“Defense gets you on the floor,” Hammon added. “Shooting keeps you there.”

Why Isn’t Anyone Talking About Her?

It’s a fair question.

In an era where every crossover, logo three, and postgame quote gets clipped and shared, Paopao’s steady excellence has flown under the radar. Part of it is due to her personality—she’s soft-spoken, humble, and far more interested in team success than self-promotion.

But some fans are beginning to take notice.

“She’s our secret weapon,” one Aces supporter tweeted after Paopao went 4-for-4 from deep in a road win. “The league better catch up.”

WNBA Reddit threads have started to light up with posts titled things like “Is Te-Hina Paopao the most underrated rookie?” and “Why aren’t we talking about Paopao’s shooting more?”

The answer may lie in what she isn’t doing—she’s not chasing highlight reels, not drawing controversy, not beefing online. She’s just showing up and doing her job—exceptionally well.

What Comes Next?

With over half the season still to play, the obvious question is whether Paopao can sustain this level of shooting.

The answer: maybe not. No one shoots nearly 60% from three all year. Defenses will adjust. Scouting reports will get tighter. The schedule will get tougher.

But even if her percentage drops slightly, her impact won’t. Her floor spacing alone creates opportunities for the Aces’ stars. And if she keeps knocking down open looks, it’s only a matter of time before the entire league—and the media—gives her the spotlight she deserves.

Legacy in the Making?

There’s a long list of WNBA greats known for their marksmanship: Katie Smith, Becky Hammon, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Kelsey Plum.

Could Te-Hina Paopao eventually join that list?

It’s early, of course. But the foundation is there. Her footwork. Her release. Her decision-making. Her confidence. If this is what she looks like as a rookie, the league may be witnessing the birth of a generational shooter.

And she’s just getting started.