If you’ve spent any time on basketball TikTok or followed the recruiting trails lately, you’ve definitely seen the "Twin Backcourt" (TBC) taking over. Mia and Mya Pauldo aren't just names on a roster; they're a whole movement. But because they started landing massive brand deals and appearing on national radars so young, there’s always a ton of confusion about how old they actually are. Honestly, it feels like they’ve been in the spotlight forever.
Mia and Mya Pauldo Age: Setting the Record Straight
The Pauldo twins were born on February 23, 2006. As we move through January 2026, both Mia and Mya Pauldo are 19 years old. They’ll be hitting that big 2-0 milestone next month, which is kinda wild considering they’ve already built a legacy that most veteran athletes would envy.
Growing up in Paterson, New Jersey, their age was never really a barrier. By the time they were 16, they weren't just "good for their age"—they were already breaking the business side of sports. In 2022, they became some of the youngest athletes ever to sign a footwear and apparel deal with Puma. Usually, kids that age are worried about their driver's license, not corporate equity and brand architecture.
Why Everyone Is Searching for Their Age
The reason people constantly Google "Mia and Mya Pauldo age" is because they’ve been playing "up" their entire lives. When you see a 5'7" guard dropping 20 points and 8 rebounds as a high school freshman at Morris Catholic, your brain naturally assumes they must be older.
They’ve always been ahead of the curve. Here’s a quick snapshot of where they are in their timeline:
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- Birthdate: February 23, 2006
- Hometown: Paterson, NJ
- Current Team: University of Tennessee Lady Vols (Class of 2025 recruits)
- Current Status: Freshmen (2025-2026 Season)
From Morris Catholic to Rocky Top
Watching them transition from the New Jersey high school scene to the SEC has been a trip. Mia came into Tennessee as a five-star recruit, ranked No. 11 in the country by espnW. Mya wasn't far behind, proving that the "package deal" wasn't just talk—it was a strategic move by the Lady Vols to secure one of the most cohesive backcourts in modern memory.
The jump to college ball is usually where players hit a wall, but these two? Not so much. By mid-January 2026, Mia Pauldo has already secured multiple SEC Freshman of the Week honors. She’s currently leading the Lady Vols in scoring over recent stretches, averaging about 15.4 points per game in their latest run.
Mya is the floor general, the "commander" of the court. While Mia might get the flashy scoring headlines, Mya’s basketball IQ is what keeps the engine running. They’ve basically brought that "Paterson grit" to Knoxville, and the fans are obsessed.
The NIL Powerhouse: Age is Just a Number
Let’s talk about the money and the brand. Most 19-year-olds are figuring out how to balance a meal plan. The Pauldo twins are managing a brand called Twin Backcourt (TBC).
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They were trendsetters in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) space. Before they even stepped foot on a college campus, they were working with Asia Irving and landing deals with sneaker customizers like Malcolm Garrett. They’ve always said they want to be "the first" to do things in their era. Their goal? Making history as the first twins to play in the WNBA simultaneously.
What People Get Wrong About the Twins
One big misconception is that they’re just "influencers who play ball."
No.
They are ballers who happen to have influence.
Mia finished her high school career with over 2,100 points. She was a McDonald’s All-American. Mya was a defensive nightmare who could facilitate an offense better than most college juniors while she was still a senior in high school.
They also aren't just about the highlights. They’ve maintained a 3.52 GPA and spend time mentoring youth in their community. It’s a level of maturity that makes that "19 years old" stat hard to believe sometimes.
What’s Next for the Pauldo Twins?
Right now, they’re in the thick of the 2025-2026 SEC schedule. The Lady Vols are sitting pretty at the top of the conference, and the twins are a massive reason why. They aren't just sitting on the bench waiting for their turn; they are active, high-impact players in one of the toughest conferences in the world.
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If you’re following their journey, keep an eye on these specific milestones:
- The 2026 SEC Tournament: This will be their first real "win or go home" test at the collegiate level.
- Puma Collections: Expect more "TBC" specific gear as their college profile grows.
- WNBA Draft Eligibility: While they’re only freshmen, the buzz about their pro potential is already starting.
The "Twin Backcourt" legacy is only in its first collegiate chapter. At 19, Mia and Mya Pauldo have managed to do what very few athletes ever achieve: they made themselves a household name before they even had a college degree.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Athletes:
- Follow the Stats: Don't just watch the TikTok highlights. Check the box scores on UTSports to see how their efficiency is evolving against SEC defenses.
- Study the Brand: If you're an athlete looking into NIL, look at how the Pauldos used their "Twin Backcourt" identity to create a unique value proposition.
- Watch the Chemistry: Pay attention to their "no-look" passes and defensive rotations; it’s a masterclass in non-verbal communication that only comes from years of playing together.