LSU womens basketball star guard Flau’jae Johnson has embraced her new standing as a veteran leader ahead of her junior season.
The Tigers have relied heavily on Johnson the last two years in which they secured a national championship and Elite Eight berth. Over 72 games – only two of which she didnt start – the 20-year-old averaged 13 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
Heading into the 2024-25 campaign, Johnson is expected to assume an even greater role on head coach Kim Mulkeys squad – which lost two starters from last year in forward Angel Reese and guard Hailey Van Lith.
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Though LSU has lost several integral pieces, Johnson asserted that the goal to win another championship title remains. Anything short of that prior to graduating, she said, will be considered a failure.
I like to just shoot for the moon and work really hard and try to see where I land, Johnson said of her mindset. Its on me to make a big splash.
Last Thursday, Johnson picked up right where she left off last season during a commanding 114-53 exhibition win over Xavier. She shot 13-of-19 from the field and 2-of-4 from behind the arc en route to recording 30 points and 10 rebounds.
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[FlauJae] was phenomenal and I think what youre seeing from her is comfort, Mulkey told reporters during a post-game press conference. Shes a leader and its because she has all the experience and puts in the work. She and Morrow were the most comfortable out there tonight. Im not surprised either one of them had double-doubles.
Johnsons basketball dominance is all the more impressive considering she continues to excel off the court as well. In her free time, the Savannah, Georgia native serves as a podcast host and rapper – recently releasing her debut EP, Best of Both Worlds, back in June.
What I learn in basketball about pushing through challenges and staying dedicated translates into my music career, and vice versa, Johnson said. They fuel each other, and Im grateful I get to live in both worlds.
I truly believe you can be good at two things and also be successful if you put in the work. We dont have to be one-dimensional. Im blessed to have these opportunities, so why not take advantage of them?
No matter what the endeavor is, Johnson brings an unparalleled commitment and energy – but its basketball that she still places above all else. I love the game so Im really energetic about it, Johnson divulged. Like I have fun, Im laughing, smiling a lot. I get locked in, I get serious, but I try to just have a lot of fun and bring a lot of energy. Im like an Energizer bunny.
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