A’ja Wilson is arguably the greatest player this league has ever seen. One of the important aspects of her journey was her unshakable confidence. So when Wilson was asked who would win in a 1v1 match between her and rumoured better half Bam Adebayo, there was just one answer the 3-time WNBA MVP could give. 

She said, “Me…It would be a good game. But I’m gonna always say me. I don’t care who you put me up against, I am gonna always bet on myself.” It was not the first time Wilson had claimed that she could beat an NBA player, as last year on The Roommates Show with New York Knicks players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, she claimed to have beaten Hart in a 1-on-1 game. “I feel like the score would be, like 8-11, me,” Wilson said. There was a condition that Wilson would get the ball first, but Hart immediately replied, “That’s not happening.” The conversation was sparked once again as Shannon Sharpe asked LSU star Flau’jae Johnson in an interview on the Club Shay Shay podcast for her take regarding the matter.

Shannon asked, “A’ja Wilson was on, and she was they were asking her if she could be an NBA player? Could she? I think it was Josh Hart that she said she could beat.  Do you believe that a WNBA player could be an NBA player?”

Flau’Jae Johnson replied flatly, “I was just talking about this. I just don’t think it’s not physically possible. Like you know what I’m saying? Like, I could barely grab the rim. You’re over the backboard. Like I’m not about to play you. Like, but like no NBA player, like no.”

Johnson keeps it real. But Wilson is not the only player to make these claims, as Los Angeles Sparks’ Dearica Hamby also claimed, “I play against NBA guys all the time and I’ve beat a few, and they’re like ‘Oh sh*t.” The community called Hamby on her claim, as she did not reveal the names she had beaten or any other details of this supposed 1v1. Realistically, even the best players from the WNBA will struggle against their NBA counterparts for a simple reason that Johnson further explained. 

She said with a laugh, “Them guys can dunk.” The NBA players are simply stronger and ahead in terms of their overall development. The game in the NBA is a lot faster and a lot more individual-centric centric while the WNBA is more focused on teamwork. In a 1v1, that plays into the hands of the NBA player. 

Johnson further emphasised the competition of the NBA that the WNBA is yet to reach, saying, “You know how hard it is to get in the NBA? I do. Yeah. Literally, I got a new appreciation for summer league cuz I’m like all these guys are playing for like one or two spots. And these guys booming. They seven-footers, bro. I’m not, I can’t get in that argument cuz I know I know I can’t, I tell you that like you 6’8 in a point guard. What am I about to do? I’m 5’10 almost 5’11.”

The difference in the average height plays a big role. An average WNBA player is 6 feet, while in the NBA, that bumps up to 6’7. Wilson is 6’4 and Hart is at the same frame, but he regularly goes up against NBA players. The NBA players are just stronger and faster, which is the difference in the end. One can strategise for days, but brute strength can simply overpower you. However, even A’ja Wilson probably knows that, having been in the game for so many years. Her statements were all about her self-confidence. It is that attitude that has been drilled in her psyche ever since she picked up the ball for the first time. And who knows, Wilson might even beat the odds if this proposed 1 v 1 ever sees the light of day. Wilson is used to going against the wind, as she has piped Paige Bueckers over Caitlin Clark in this aspect in a recent statement.

She has become the player that she is because of this attitude, and one can’t expect to stray from that. It’s not like Johnson has a personal issue with A’ja Wilson, as she has repeatedly praised Wilson’s basketball and impact on the game. Both players just two different approaches to answer the question. Johnson is back in her hometown for a good cause as she continues her journey in the college basketball circuit.

Flau’Jae Johnson Back In Savannah For Back2School Festival

Despite being eligible for the 2025 WNBA Draft, Johnson chose to stay in Baton Rouge for another season, jumping right back into summer workouts with the Tigers fresh off her gold-medal run with Team USA at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.Just two weeks later, she was back in her hometown of Savannah, drawing a crowd of 2,500 to Enmarket Arena for her third consecutive high-energy “Back2School” festival. This is her third year hosting the giveaway, and she says the crowd grows in size every year.

The weekend kicked off Friday with mobile mammogram screenings, leading into a full slate of festivities that wrapped up Sunday with the big community festival on July 26. The highlight: a free, family-friendly event featuring a live performance by Johnson, plus music, food, and a variety of activities for all ages. 

“This event means everything to me,” Johnson shared. “Coming back to Savannah and being able to give back—with love, energy, and support—is something I don’t take for granted. This is where my story started, and I want every kid here to feel like their story matters too.”

Born and raised in Savannah, Johnson found her voice through music and quickly turned it into action for her hometown. In 2019, she became the face of the Keep Savannah Clean campaign, writing a catchy rap that ended with the punchy line: “It’s so easy to go put it in a basket. This is my home — don’t trash it!” That memorable phrase, alongside her image, soon graced signs all across the city, inspiring locals to take pride in keeping Savannah beautiful.

Since then, Johnson has blossomed into both a top-tier basketball talent and a pop culture trailblazer through her music. She’s collaborated with big-name artists like Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled and played alongside standout athletes such as Angel Reese during her time at LSU. Winning an NCAA championship in her freshman year, Johnson has continued to excel in both basketball and music while prioritizing her commitment to philanthropy and uplifting her hometown community.