LSU star Flau’jae Johnson on why she chose to return for another year and not declare for the WNBA Draft

LSU Star Flau’jae Johnson on Why She Chose to Return for Another Year and Not Declare for the WNBA Draft

Introduction

In an era where athletes, especially those in women’s sports, often face the decision of entering the professional ranks at the first opportunity, LSU star Flau’jae Johnson made a surprising choice this year. Despite her impressive college career and the strong buzz surrounding her as a top prospect in the upcoming WNBA Draft, Johnson made the decision to return to Baton Rouge for another season with the LSU Tigers. The news came as a surprise to many, but Johnson’s reasoning behind the choice was grounded in her desire for further growth, her commitment to her team, and a deep sense of unfinished business at LSU.

As one of the brightest young talents in college basketball, Johnson has already made a significant impact on the LSU program and the women’s basketball landscape as a whole. Her decision to return for another season speaks volumes about her character, her ambition, and her understanding of the importance of developing both as an athlete and as a person. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Johnson’s decision to forgo the WNBA Draft for another year of collegiate basketball, the implications of her return for LSU, and what this means for her future in the sport.

Flau’jae Johnson: A Rising Star in Women’s Basketball

Flau’jae Johnson’s rise in the world of women’s basketball has been nothing short of spectacular. As a freshman at LSU in 2022, Johnson immediately made an impact, showcasing her talent as both a scorer and a playmaker. Standing at 6’1” with an exceptional blend of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ, Johnson quickly became one of the most exciting players to watch in the NCAA.

Her versatility on the court has been one of the main reasons for her success. Johnson’s ability to impact the game in multiple areas, from scoring to rebounding to defense, made her an invaluable asset for LSU’s head coach, Kim Mulkey. As a freshman, she helped the Tigers reach the NCAA Tournament, and her performance earned her All-SEC honors. In her second season with LSU, Johnson continued to shine, earning even more recognition for her performances, including securing spots on various All-American teams.

Throughout her college career, Johnson has shown the ability to step up in clutch moments, often carrying the Tigers in crucial games. Whether it’s her explosive scoring ability, her leadership on the court, or her ability to make her teammates better, Johnson has established herself as one of the most promising players in women’s college basketball. As her college career progresses, it became clear that she was destined for a future in professional basketball. With all the accolades, success, and attention she garnered, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Johnson would declare for the WNBA Draft.

The Decision to Return: A Surprising Move

The decision by Flau’jae Johnson to return to LSU for another season is a move that surprised many in the basketball community. As one of the most talked-about prospects in women’s basketball, Johnson was expected to take the next step in her career by declaring for the WNBA Draft. After all, she had already proven herself as one of the top talents in college basketball. So why did she choose to return to school for another season, bypassing the opportunity to play professionally?

According to Johnson, the decision to return wasn’t made lightly. It was based on a combination of factors that centered around her growth as both a player and a person, her desire to compete for a national championship, and her commitment to her LSU teammates.

1. Unfinished Business at LSU

One of the main reasons Flau’jae Johnson chose to return to LSU for another season was her desire to finish what she started. Despite her impressive individual accomplishments, Johnson understands that there is more work to be done before she can leave college basketball behind. In her own words, Johnson mentioned that she felt like she had “unfinished business” at LSU. The ultimate goal for any college athlete is to win a national championship, and Johnson made it clear that she is not ready to leave LSU until she has helped bring the Tigers to the pinnacle of women’s basketball.

In the world of women’s college basketball, the NCAA Tournament is the ultimate stage, and LSU has been knocking on the door of greatness. However, the Tigers have not yet captured the national title during Johnson’s tenure, and she is determined to help change that. Johnson has the skill set and leadership qualities to elevate LSU to that level, and returning for another season gives her the chance to make a real run at a championship.

2. Development and Growth as a Player

While Johnson has already proven herself to be an elite player, she recognizes that there is still room for improvement. Returning to LSU allows her to further develop her skills and refine her game before making the jump to the professional level. In particular, Johnson cited her desire to work on her shooting consistency and her basketball IQ. While she is already a versatile offensive player, Johnson knows that mastering her shooting and decision-making will be crucial to her success at the next level.

Additionally, Johnson understands that her time at LSU is valuable not only for basketball development but also for personal growth. College provides an environment where athletes can mature, both on and off the court. Johnson has shown a high level of maturity throughout her college career, and she believes that another year at LSU will allow her to continue growing as a leader and a person.

3. The Support of Her LSU Family

One of the biggest factors in Johnson’s decision to return to LSU was her deep connection with her teammates, coaches, and the LSU community. Flau’jae has spoken at length about the relationships she has built with her coaches and teammates under the guidance of Kim Mulkey. For Johnson, returning for another season meant that she could continue to play with the team she has grown so close to, building on the camaraderie and teamwork that has helped LSU rise to national prominence.

LSU is more than just a place to play basketball for Johnson — it’s a second home. The culture that Kim Mulkey has cultivated at LSU has played a significant role in Johnson’s decision to stay. Mulkey’s leadership and the family-like atmosphere within the program have helped Johnson develop into a better player and a better person. For Johnson, the opportunity to continue being part of that environment was too good to pass up.

4. A Desire to Be the Best

Another motivating factor for Johnson is her desire to be the best. She has always had lofty goals for herself, and staying at LSU for another season gives her the chance to build upon the foundation she has laid thus far. For Johnson, it’s not just about entering the WNBA and achieving success at the professional level — it’s about becoming the best player she can be before making that leap.

By staying at LSU, Johnson can work with the best coaches and teammates to elevate her game to a level that will set her up for a successful WNBA career. The WNBA is an incredibly competitive league, and Johnson knows that having another year of development in college will help prepare her for the next step in her career.

Implications for LSU

Flau’jae Johnson’s decision to return for another season at LSU is a major win for the Tigers and head coach Kim Mulkey. It not only gives LSU one of the top players in the country for another year but also sends a message that the Tigers are serious about competing for a national championship.

Johnson’s return means that LSU will have a proven leader and one of the best players in women’s college basketball back on the court for another season. Her presence will be invaluable in helping LSU maintain its status as one of the premier teams in the NCAA, and her leadership will be crucial for guiding a talented roster to the next level. With Johnson back in the fold, LSU’s chances of securing a national title are as strong as ever.

Additionally, Johnson’s decision to return for another season sends a strong message about the future of women’s college basketball. As more top players choose to stay in school for longer periods, the level of competition in college basketball continues to rise. Johnson’s decision to stay is a testament to her commitment to the college game and her desire to be the best before entering the professional ranks.