Gamecock Glory: Three South Carolina Stars Taken in the 2025 WNBA Draft in Historic Moment for the Program

Columbia, South Carolina — On a warm spring night in April 2025, the South Carolina Gamecocks once again cemented their place at the heart of women’s college basketball. The 2025 WNBA Draft saw not one, not two, but three Gamecocks selected, a remarkable accomplishment that marks only the third time in the program’s history that multiple players have been drafted in the same year — and the first time three have been taken since 2020.

For the University of South Carolina and head coach Dawn Staley, it was a moment that highlighted more than just individual success. It was a testament to years of cultivation, development, and commitment to excellence both on and off the court. The Gamecocks are no strangers to the WNBA spotlight, having produced several stars in recent years. But this draft class — headlined by Te-Hina Paopao, Kamilla Cardoso, and Raven Johnson — feels especially symbolic of the new era of dominance in Columbia.

A Draft Night to Remember

The 2025 WNBA Draft held in Brooklyn, New York, was a showcase of collegiate talent from across the country. While blue-blood programs like UConn and Stanford were well-represented, it was South Carolina that drew headlines for producing one of the most impactful groups of WNBA-ready players.

Kamilla Cardoso – 1st Round, 3rd Overall Pick (Los Angeles Sparks)

Towering at 6-foot-7, Kamilla Cardoso was the first Gamecock to hear her name called, going third overall to the Los Angeles Sparks. Cardoso’s selection came as no surprise; her dominant performances in the paint over the past two seasons made her a top prospect. Known for her shot-blocking, rebounding, and rim-running ability, Cardoso’s defensive presence was unmatched in the NCAA during her senior year.

In her final season, she averaged 14.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game, leading South Carolina to an SEC Championship and a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Her footwork and court vision, combined with her height and athleticism, made her a nightmare matchup for opposing teams.

“I’ve always dreamed of this moment,” Cardoso said on draft night. “To hear my name called and know I’m going to L.A., it’s everything I worked for. And I couldn’t have done it without Coach Staley and my Gamecock family.”

Te-Hina Paopao – 2nd Round, 16th Overall Pick (Minnesota Lynx)

Next off the board was senior guard Te-Hina Paopao, who went in the second round to the Minnesota Lynx. A transfer from Oregon who blossomed under Staley’s system, Paopao became known for her composure, high basketball IQ, and elite shooting touch.

Paopao averaged 12.1 points, 4.3 assists, and shot 42% from three in her final collegiate season. Her leadership and ability to orchestrate the Gamecocks’ offense were crucial to the team’s success. Her poise under pressure and ability to create off the dribble made her a natural fit for the professional game.

“South Carolina gave me the structure and confidence I needed to take the next step,” Paopao said. “I can’t wait to bring that fire to the Lynx.”

Raven Johnson – 2nd Round, 20th Overall Pick (Phoenix Mercury)

With the 20th overall pick, the Phoenix Mercury selected Raven Johnson, the energetic and defensively relentless point guard who had long been touted as one of the best floor generals in the college game. Though sometimes underappreciated in the box score, Johnson’s contributions were invaluable. Her ability to control tempo, create for others, and hound opposing guards set her apart.

She finished her junior season with 7.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, and was often described as the team’s “engine.” Johnson’s intangibles, including her leadership and resilience, made her a favorite among scouts.

“Defense wins championships, and I’m ready to bring that mentality to Phoenix,” Johnson declared confidently.

Dawn Staley: Architect of Excellence

If the 2025 WNBA Draft showed anything, it’s that Dawn Staley has built a professional pipeline in Columbia. Since taking over as head coach in 2008, Staley has transformed the South Carolina women’s basketball program into a perennial powerhouse. Under her guidance, the Gamecocks have won multiple national championships, produced a steady stream of WNBA talent, and dominated SEC play.

With this year’s draft haul, Staley has now coached over a dozen WNBA draftees, including top-tier stars like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and now Cardoso, Paopao, and Johnson.

“I’m so proud of these young women,” Staley said during an interview after the draft. “They’ve put in the work, they’ve led with integrity, and now they get to continue their journey at the next level. Our program is about preparing you for life, and this is just the next chapter for them.”

Gamecock Legacy and Future

This year’s draft class builds on a legacy of excellence for South Carolina. In 2020, the program also saw three players selected — Tyasha Harris, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, and A’ja Wilson — all of whom became critical players on their WNBA rosters. But the 2025 class feels different, largely because of the unique blend of talent, leadership, and maturity embodied by the trio.

The success of these players also helps reaffirm South Carolina’s status as a destination for elite recruits. As the WNBA increasingly draws from the NCAA’s top-tier programs, players want to go where they’ll be developed, showcased, and prepared for the pro level — and Columbia has become that place.

The trio’s journey also underscores the evolving nature of women’s college basketball. With the advent of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and increased media coverage, players are entering the WNBA more prepared — not just as athletes, but as professionals in every sense.

Impact on the WNBA

Beyond just boosting South Carolina’s reputation, the entry of Cardoso, Paopao, and Johnson into the WNBA is expected to make waves across the league. Each fills a specific need for their respective team.

• Cardoso adds immediate size and rebounding to the Sparks, who have struggled to control the paint since Candace Parker’s departure.
• Paopao brings shooting and stability to a Lynx backcourt in transition, potentially forming a dynamic duo with Diamond Miller.
• Johnson infuses the Mercury with defensive grit and high-level playmaking — vital assets as the team navigates the twilight of the Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi era.

These rookies may not start right away, but their ceilings are high. Scouts have already noted that each possesses a maturity uncommon for first-year players, a credit to their collegiate preparation under Coach Staley.

A Moment of Celebration in Columbia

Back on campus in Columbia, the celebrations ran deep. Students gathered in bars and dorms to watch the draft, alumni tweeted their congratulations, and the South Carolina athletic department ran a campaign celebrating the draftees as “Forever Gamecocks.”

For younger players on the roster, it served as inspiration. And for recruits watching from afar, it reinforced a clear message: if you want to go pro, South Carolina will get you there.

Even among a star-studded draft class, the Gamecocks shone brightly. The 2025 WNBA Draft wasn’t just a milestone — it was a celebration of years of sweat, sacrifice, and growth.

Looking Ahead

With the draft now behind them, Cardoso, Paopao, and Johnson face the ultimate test: proving themselves in the WNBA. Their journey is far from over, but if history — and their time under Staley — is any indication, the best is yet to come.

For now, South Carolina basks in the glow of another successful draft, another page in the rich and growing history of its women’s basketball dynasty.

As Coach Staley once said:

And with three more heading to the pros, the legend of the Gamecocks continues to grow.

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