According to ESPN, LSU junior Flau’Jae Johnson has decided to return for her senior year rather than declare for the WNBA Draft. While she has until April 23 to enter the transfer portal, her decision to stay at LSU or transfer to another program will likely hinge on NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities.
Johnson played a key role in LSU’s national championship run as a freshman. This season, the Tigers were eliminated in the regional finals by UCLA in a 72-65 loss.
Although she hasn’t completed four full seasons in college, Johnson is eligible for the 2024 WNBA Draft due to her age—she turns 22 in November. Her stock has only risen, with her performance improving each season. In 2024-25, she earned third-team All-American honors from both the Associated Press and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association after posting a career-best 18.6 points per game.
Across 34 starts this past season, she averaged 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals, earning a spot on the All-SEC First Team. Over her career, Johnson has started in 104 of 106 games, averaging 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals.
Despite LSU’s prominence, Johnson has expressed a desire to lead her own championship team. Reflecting on the Tigers’ 2023 title, where WNBA star Angel Reese was the team’s centerpiece, Johnson said:
“The more I think about that national championship, the more I want another one. I was a key piece, sure—but there were bigger names. I want to win one where I’m the leader. That’s what I really want.
Leave a Reply