Gamecock Sisters Fly Sky High as Allisha Gray Named Player of the Week While Te-Hina PaoPao Shines with Increased Playing Time and Buckets in Bunches in the WNBA Spotlight

🚨From Columbia to the Big Stage: Gamecock Sisters Fly Sky High as Allisha Gray Named Player of the Week While Te-Hina PaoPao Shines with Increased Playing Time and Buckets in Bunches in the WNBA Spotlight🚨

 

The legacy of South Carolina women’s basketball continues to soar beyond the walls of Colonial Life Arena, as former and current Gamecocks are making powerful statements on the professional hardwood. The week belonged to the Gamecock Sisters, who have become shining symbols of resilience, growth, and excellence on the WNBA stage.

 

In a stretch of highlight-reel performances and celebratory moments, Allisha Gray, the versatile and fearless Atlanta Dream guard, earned WNBA Player of the Week honors, while rising star Te-Hina PaoPao continued to show the league what she’s made of, capitalizing on increased minutes and making magic with every possession. Together, these two former South Carolina standouts are writing new chapters in their already impactful careers—and the Gamecock bond continues to fly “Sky high.”

 

 

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🔥 Allisha Gray: The Week That Got Everyone Talking

 

There’s no denying it—Allisha Gray is in her bag.

 

This week, the WNBA named Gray Eastern Conference Player of the Week, following a series of electrifying performances where she averaged 22.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. The former Gamecock guard not only put up numbers but also led the Atlanta Dream to back-to-back wins in decisive fashion.

 

Known for her steady demeanor and aggressive scoring, Gray showed why she’s among the league’s elite two-way guards. Whether she’s pulling up from midrange, hitting daggers from deep, or locking down her defensive assignment, her all-around game is peaking—and the league is on notice.

 

This recognition comes just weeks after many fans questioned the Dream’s playoff potential. But with Gray taking control, Atlanta’s chances just got a lot more serious. Her leadership is now more visible than ever, and she’s finally receiving the individual accolades that reflect her value on the court.

 

 

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🌟 Te-Hina PaoPao: Earning Her Stripes One Bucket at a Time

 

Not far behind in spotlight is Te-Hina PaoPao, the rookie who’s proving she belongs with the pros.

 

After a relatively quiet start to her WNBA journey, PaoPao is beginning to get more playing time, and she’s using every minute to showcase her trademark sharpshooting, court vision, and poise under pressure. The 5’9” guard, known for her silky jumper and high basketball IQ, is now “hopping the bucket”—a phrase fans have begun to use to describe her quick scoring bursts and fearless drives to the rim.

 

In recent games, PaoPao has flashed glimpses of the brilliance that made her a top recruit and key figure during South Carolina’s dominant NCAA tournament runs. Her minutes may still be limited, but her impact is growing, and she’s gaining the trust of her coaching staff in real time.

 

This week alone, she notched a career-high in points while also facilitating ball movement with veteran-level confidence. It’s clear that Te-Hina is not just adjusting—she’s adapting, elevating, and embracing the grind. And the WNBA is watching.

 

 

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🐔 Gamecock Bond Stronger Than Ever

 

There’s something special about former Gamecocks finding success together on the biggest stages. Whether it’s Allisha Gray draining shots from the wing or PaoPao threading needles in the lane, both are testaments to the system built by Dawn Staley in Columbia—a culture that prioritizes hard work, mental toughness, and unbreakable sisterhood.

 

Gray, a national champion with South Carolina in 2017, and PaoPao, part of the 2023–2024 core, may come from different Gamecock eras, but they share one unwavering identity: Gamecock for life.

 

Fans across social media have been rallying behind the pair using the phrase “Gamecock Sisters flying Sky high,” referencing not only their shared past but their ascendant futures.

 

 

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📈 What’s Next for the Sisters?

 

With the WNBA season heating up, both Gray and PaoPao are positioned for strong midseason runs. For Gray, a potential All-Star nod could be on the horizon if she keeps up this level of play. For PaoPao, continued growth and development could land her a regular rotation spot—and with her talent, the ceiling is sky-high.

 

As the league continues to evolve, it’s increasingly clear that South Carolina isn’t just a college basketball powerhouse—it’s becoming a WNBA pipeline, producing stars who rise to the occasion and bring their full selves to every game.

 

 

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🗣️ Final Word: Once a Gamecock, Always a Gamecock

 

From Columbia to the WNBA arenas across the country, the spirit of South Carolina women’s basketball is alive and shining through these incredible athletes. Allisha Gray is being recognized for the player she’s always been. Te-Hina PaoPao is becoming the player everyone hoped she would be. Together, they’re not just representing the Gamecocks—they’re elevating the brand of women’s basketball as a whole.

 

And if this past week is any sign of what’s ahead, one thing is crystal clear: The Gamecock Sisters are just getting started.