A bombshell of news hit the Oregon Ducks women’s basketball program on Monday night.
James Crepea of the Oregonian reported late Monday night that Oregon starting guard Te-Hina Paopao is entering the transfer portal and will finish her college career elsewhere.
Paopao was Oregon’s top recruit in the post-Sabrina Era, but injuries and roster turnover contributed to her not quite living up to her billing.
Even then, Paopao still averaged 13.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Ducks this season. For her career, the 5-foot-9 guard from Oceanside, Calif. averaged 12.5 points and 3.6 assists per game.
She has two years of eligibility remaining.
Paopao leaving is a significant blow to Kelly Graves’ team for the 2023-24 season. She was projected to be the starting point guard for a team that should have the talent to make the NCAA tournament. With Endyia Rogers declaring for the WNBA draft, there isn’t a clear point guard on the roster and the three recruits coming in are more shooting guard/forward types.
Graves will most likely search the transfer portal to replace Paopao.
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