A non-conference game against Georgia Southern turned into a memorable homecoming for Flau’jae Johnson. LSU scheduled the matchup in her hometown of Savannah, giving her the chance to play in front of family and friends. “It was fun, everyone has that love for me,” she said. Johnson scored 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, only to admit a harsh reality regarding her future goals as a senior.

With LSU ranked No. 5 in the AP preseason poll and her projected as a top-five pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, expectations are sky-high. So, when asked, “This being your senior season, what goals and expectations do you have moving forward?” Johnson didn’t hesitate to answer. Johnson has her sights set on at least the final four, something she hasn’t achieved in the last 2 years.

“Further than Elite 8,…I feel like the Elite 8 has been haunting me these past two years. This team right here can do amazing things if we stay outside of ourselves. And I feel like right now we are outside of our own and trying to just help each other gel and grow,” Johnson answered. Mind you, after winning the national title as a freshman, Johnson and LSU have dropped down the ladder.

In 2023-24, Caitlin Clark and Iowa hunted them in revenge for the previous year’s title game as the Tigers lost 94-87. LSU had absolutely no answer for Caitlin Clark, who tallied 41 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds. Johnson led LSU with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks. The loss capped off a rocky season marred by injuries and controversies around Reese and coach Kim Mulkey. 

Fast forward to last season, an Angel Reese-less LSU matched up with No. 1-ranked UCLA, which beat them 72-65. Once again, it was Flau’jae Johnson doing everything.

Johnson finished with 28 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. “I think there’s a lot to be learned from this,” Johnson said at the time. “[I’m] definitely going to sit back and learn, but [I] just gained so much perspective from this year. It was beautiful.” This season so far, it’s sunshine, flowers, and buzzing confidence in Baton Rouge.

The Tigers have improved their point total every game, opening the year with 108-55 vs Houston Christian and totaling 115-26 vs. Southeast Louisiana. LSU has yet to be tested, but Kim Mulkey’s crew is taking care of business like it’s supposed to against lesser-talented teams. Johnson and Co. are aiming high and might have the tools for getting to the biggest stage. 

LSU’s Title Picture Clicks Around Flau’jae Johnson

The Tigers were busy in the transfer portal. Kim Mulkey added the gem of the offseason recruiting cycle in MiLaysia Fulwiley from South Carolina and two post players, Amiya Joyner from East Carolina and Kate Koval from Notre Dame. Mulkey’s teams need strong players around the rim. Koval might be just that. 

Koval made it back-to-back double-doubles, scoring 12 points and hauling in 14 rebounds against GSU. She is still developing on the LSU side, but early signs show she can be a force. Fulwiley continued her form with 19 points while going 9/14 from the field. Her work on defense was also noticeable, getting 7 rebounds and 3 steals. 

“As we get to play tougher and tougher competition, I just want us to be together. And I feel like that togetherness is going to lead us to the promised land,” Johnson explained. 

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Apart from the three, 3 others had scores in double digits. Freshman ZaKiyah Johnson with 17 points, Mikaylah Williams with 15, and freshman Grace Knox with 13. It will be interesting to see how this team lines up against an equally talented side. Their first-ranked test will be No.7 Duke on December 5, and we can expect this team to be much better and settled by then.