The Tessa Johnson wave seems to have swept up the basketball world. The newest to join is Dwyane Wade‘s daughter Kaavia James. The South Carolina Gamecocks made history as they won the NCAA title while remaining unbeaten. Even though the roster was full of stars, Minnesota native Tessa Johnson led the way in the National Championship Game with 19 points as about a record 19 million people watched her play with bated breath. Her game even sparked an interest in Wade’s youngest.

Taking to her Instagram account, Kaavia wrote a heartwarming message for Johnson, putting the spotlight on the 6’1 guard. “If you needed a reminder that big-time players make big time plays, meet Tessa Johnson, the South Carolina freshman that came off the bench to lead her team with 19 points in the national championship!” 

The message further reads, “@tessajohnson4 is a leader on and off the court, inspiring girls in her Minnesota hometown and all across the country. I can’t wait to watch her shatter records in the future!” 

Johnson is a motivation for numerous young girls and aspiring basketball players. A new ray of hope for the future generation. While she averaged 6.6 points and 1.7 assists in her freshman year, Johnson went off in the Final against Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes.

She led her team in scoring with 19 points on 64% efficiency and even made 3 of her 6 threes as the Gamecocks lifted their second title in three years. The Minnesota native’s performance in the National Championship Game even got the attention of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

LeBron James praised Tessa Johnson’s performance

The McDonald’s All-American has long been a sensation for St. Michael-Albertville High School. While she missed her sophomore season because of an injury, she led the team to the Class 4A state championship. So, the hype is understandable and she delivered accordingly at the NCAA championship game. 

Even James was impressed by her skills. Taking to X, the champ wrote, “Tessa Johnson cooking!!” You know it’s a big thing when one of the greatest basketball players praises you. However, what’s more important than this is the impact Johnson has on her young fans. Kaavia is just one of the millions who watched her game and was inspired.

The popularity explosion of women’s basketball, thanks to players like Johnson, is just the beginning. Miami Heat legend Wade is also a minority owner of the WNBA team Chicago Sky. He said, “There are amazing things happening in the WNBA. It’s official!” It’s only going to get bigger and better in the future.

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