South Carolina’s Raven Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley and Te-Hina Paopao earn 2025 Coaches Preseason All-SEC selection
Three of South Carolina’s returning stars, Raven Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley and Te-Hina Paopao, are recognized as the best players in the SEC. The trio was essential pieces to South Carolina's undefeated 38-0 championship season last year and will take up bigger roles in the 2024-2025 season.
The Gamecocks’ Instagram handle posted its player achievements from the 2025 Coaches Preseason All-SEC list. Paopao clinched a spot in the All-SEC first-team selection while Johnson and Fulwiley made it to the conference’s second team.
“Different voters, same outcome – @hollywood_raven @tehinapaopao and @@laywitdabutter are among the best in conference!,” the post read.
With more focus on her offense, Te-Hina Paopao averaged 11.0 points and 3.7 assists last season while making 46.1% of her shots. She was also the best 3-point shooter for the Gamecocks, attempting 186 long rangers at a 46.8% clip.
Raven Johnson led South Carolina in assists last year and was their best rebounding guard. She averaged 8.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.1 steals while making 44.3% of her shots.
As a freshman, MiLaysia Fulwiley showcased the biggest potential for South Carolina, playing a record-setting 38 games, earning MVP honors for SEC Tournament and All-SEC freshman team inclusion. Fulwiley is coming off posting 11.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.2 apg and 1.7 spg on a 43.8% clip. With Kamilla Cardoso’s exit, she returns as the Gamecocks' scoring leader.
How will MiLaysia Fulwiley, Raven Johnson and Te-Hina Paopao make South Carolina better this season?
Even though MiLaysia Fulwiley was the second-best scorer for the Gamecocks last season, she only started three games. She also averaged less than 19 minutes, ranking her 7th for court time. With that, Fulwiley can develop into an offensive threat this season for Dawn Staley right away, who claims that the homegrown player is a “generational talent.”
While Raven Johnson will keep getting her teammates open, expect her to increase her scoring overalls this season. After South Carolina’s charity exhibition against Memphis on Oct. 15, Staley shared that she wants the guard to be more aggressive towards the basket, simply to keep the defense on its toes.
Since it will be her senior year, Dawn Staley will help Te-Hina Paopao become a better leader and a complete player this season. Moreover, she will continue to make USC one of the best three-point shooting teams. With that, it will not be a surprise when Paopao shoots her 200th 3-point attempt this season. She was 10th in the SEC for 3-point attempts last season and second in makes.