Paopao Joins South Carolina’s "Seatbelt Gang" After Defensive Showcase Against Indiana
Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, known for its stifling defense, has officially welcomed a new member into its exclusive “seatbelt gang”: senior guard Te-Hina Paopao. The "seatbelt gang," originally formed by guards Bree Hall and Raven Johnson, represents the team’s commitment to locking down opponents and preventing them from penetrating their formidable defense.
Paopao’s induction came after a stellar performance in the Gamecocks’ recent 64-53 victory over No. 9 Indiana in the NCAA tournament. In a game where South Carolina’s defense shone brightly, Paopao, a 5-foot-9 guard, recorded an impressive four blocks against a Hoosiers squad that boasted significant size, with an average height of 6 feet among its eight key players.
“Y’all see that? I’m really proud of myself. I had more blocks than 3s today,” Paopao exclaimed during the postgame press conference. Her enthusiasm was palpable, and she playfully suggested her eligibility for the “seatbelt gang.”
Raven Johnson was quick to define the crew’s purpose, elucidating, “The seatbelt gang is locking people up and putting them in a seat. They can’t get past us.” Hall and Johnson both affirmed that Paopao had unequivocally earned her place in the group with her exceptional defensive showing against Indiana. Notably, in her previous 34 games this season, Paopao had amassed only nine blocks, making her performance against Indiana all the more remarkable.
The transformation seemed to have started before tip-off, with Hall recalling a pre-game moment in the locker room. “We were in the hallway before (Sunday’s) game, and she switched shoes,” Hall recounted. “She said, ‘These are not my defensive shoes, I got to put on my defensive shoes.’” The simple act of changing footwear seemed to unlock a new level of defensive prowess for Paopao. According to Hall, after she put on her defensive sneakers and burst into quick steps, she exclaimed, “Oh, yeah, I’m good.”
The Gamecocks’ defensive philosophy is deeply ingrained in the team’s culture, stemming from the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, who is currently leading South Carolina in its 13th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
“We’re a culture of playing defense, and if you don’t play it you stick out, and Pao is not one that wants to stick out in that way,” Staley explained. She emphasized the importance of defensive commitment within the team, highlighting that Paopao’s willingness to embrace that mindset was crucial to her success.
Johnson echoed Staley’s sentiments, stating, “Coach is really big on defense; she tells us that we’re the best defensive team in the country.” The emphasis on defense permeates every aspect of the program, shaping the team’s identity and driving their success.
The "seatbelt gang" hones its defensive skills and tenacity through rigorous practice sessions. Hall emphasized the intensity of these practices, saying, “Practice is where you have to get better. Our practices are harder than the games.” The relentless training environment allows the players to refine their techniques, develop their understanding of defensive schemes, and cultivate the mental toughness necessary to excel under pressure.
Johnson further elaborated on the demanding nature of Gamecocks practices, adding that they “make games so easy for us” because of their difficulty. “You probably don’t even want to come to our practice,” she quipped, emphasizing just how challenging they are.
The collective effort and unwavering commitment to defense have propelled South Carolina to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. With Paopao now officially part of the "seatbelt gang," the Gamecocks’ already formidable defense has become even more potent. The team will next face the winner of Alabama-Maryland on Friday, with the "seatbelt gang" eager to buckle up their next opponent and continue their pursuit of a national championship.
The integration of Paopao into the "seatbelt gang" is not just about individual accolades; it reflects the team’s overall philosophy of embracing defensive challenges. This mindset, instilled by Coach Staley, emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s clear that Paopao’s impressive performance and subsequent invitation into the fold are symbolic of her increasing contributions to the team and her growing role as a defensive leader. The Gamecocks’ commitment to defense makes them a tough match up for any team.
