LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson is navigating a pivotal final season, stepping into a leadership role that makes her uncomfortable yet is essential for her team’s success and her burgeoning career. Her commitment to growth follows a standout performance in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, proving her capability to lead from the front.
The spotlight on Flau’Jae Johnson has always been dual-focused, illuminating her exceptional talents on the basketball court and her rising profile in the music world. As she embarks on her final season at LSU, however, a new challenge has emerged: a mandated leadership role that pushes her outside her comfort zone, a transformation that could define her legacy and shape the Tigers’ season.
Head coach Kim Mulkey has been explicit about the need for Johnson to evolve. Mulkey recognizes Johnson’s natural inclination to avoid confrontation and prioritize being liked by her teammates. “Leadership,” Mulkey emphasized, is what is required, noting that Johnson has previously relied on the vocal guidance of older players in the locker room.
From Supporting Star to Vocal Leader: A Necessary Evolution
For much of her career, Johnson played alongside dominant personalities and established leaders such as Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow. These collegiate veterans handled the tough conversations and the demanding aspects of team leadership, allowing Johnson to focus on her game and artistic pursuits. This dynamic fostered an environment where Johnson could thrive without shouldering the full burden of team direction.
However, with Reese and Morrow now having ascended to professional ranks, a leadership void emerged. Johnson, one of only four seniors and the longest-tenured starter, realized the onus was on her. She admitted her initial reluctance, stating, “I love everybody and want them to love me back. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t want that role.” Yet, the reality of a team with eight new players, including several transfers, prompted a crucial self-reflection: “If I don’t do it, we will be a leaderless team, and you can’t win like that.”
Building on Success: The 2024 NCAA Tournament Foundation
Johnson’s emergence as a pivotal player was already evident during the 2024 NCAA Women’s Tournament. In a thrilling Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA, Johnson delivered a performance that underscored her capability to carry the team when it mattered most. As LSU fought back from a three-point deficit with less than three minutes to play, Johnson was instrumental in a furious 14-2 run that secured a 78-69 victory and an Elite Eight berth.
She finished that game with a remarkable 24 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks, leading the Tigers in scoring and demonstrating her impact on both ends of the court, as reported by CBS Sports. Even with Angel Reese in foul trouble, Johnson stepped up, showcasing a mentality focused on immediate results rather than lingering on past achievements. “You gotta have that mindset going into the tournament. You have to have a short attention span,” Johnson said after the game, highlighting her professional approach.
The Challenge of Accountability and the Path to the WNBA
Johnson’s willingness to engage in “uncomfortable conversations” is a testament to her commitment to growth. She has actively sought feedback from teammates on how to improve as a leader, accepting responses she “didn’t really want” but recognizing their necessity. This proactive approach to accountability is vital for a team integrating new talent like Amiya Joyner (transfer from East Carolina) and Kailyn Gilbert (transfer from Arizona).
Her journey this season is not just about LSU’s immediate success; it’s a critical stepping stone toward her inevitable future in the WNBA. As a projected high draft pick, developing vocal leadership, tactical awareness, and the ability to rally a diverse locker room are indispensable skills. Her coach, Mulkey, has no doubt she is ready for this responsibility. Fans of LSU and women’s basketball alike will be keenly watching how this multi-faceted star embraces her uncomfortable role and transforms it into her greatest strength.
For more insights into the LSU women’s basketball team and their season outlook, visit the official LSU Athletics website.
