On Thursday, news broke that the SEC coaches voted three South Carolina women’s basketball stars onto the preseason All-SEC team. Te-Hina Paopao, Raven Johnson, and MiLaysia Fulwiley picked up the recognition ten days after receiving the same honor from the SEC media. Just as was the case with the media, Paopao earned a first-team selection, while Johnson and Fulwiley were picked for the second team. As expected, Paopao, Johnson, Fulwiley, and the Gamecocks were picked to win the conference, as well.
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Paopao, who garnered All-American recognition last season, is playing her best basketball right now according to head coach Dawn Staley. Filling in on “Carolina Calls” on Thursday, she said, “Pao is playing at an all-time high.” If those practice efforts translate to games, the SEC’s most accurate 3-point assassin could be an All-American again.
However, the reason Paopao played off-ball much of last year was because of Raven Johnson. The redshirt junior point guard is among the most complete guards in college basketball. She improved her shot (made 35% from outside), posted a 4.8-1.6 assist-to-turnover ratio, and also played good enough defense to limit Caitlin Clark to a rare inefficient showing in the National Championship Game.
MiLaysia Fulwiley is one of the most electric players in all of basketball, at any level. Her aggressive style and flashy ballhandling already make her a unique talent, but she is athletic and can shoot, too. If she improves the mental side of her game, Fulwiley will be an all-time great. Coach Staley repeatedly has called Fulwiley a “generational talent,” and the 2023-2024 season should provide plenty of supporting evidence.
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Last year, Paopao and Johnson also made the All-SEC squad, joining now-graduated center Kamilla Cardoso and currently suspended junior forward Ashlyn Watkins. The Gamecocks were second in the preseason voting (behind LSU) before going undefeated and winning the national title.
South Carolina women’s basketball will begin their “Repeat Tour” on November 4th in Las Vegas. The Gamecocks will take on the Michigan Wolverines to open the season as part of the Hall of Fame Series.
