MIAMI (United States) – Flau’jae Johnson’s final appearance with Louisiana State University during NCAA March Madness felt less like an ending, but more like a moment of reflection on her basketball journey so far. Let’s take a look at how her path brought her to the international stage through FIBA competition, starting with her breakthrough at the continental level and her ongoing rise today.
Just last year, Johnson made her competitive debut with USA Basketball at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup in Santiago, Chile. She arrived as an NCAA champion, an All-SEC standout, and left as a gold medalist to elevate her resume, but not without some challenges. Reflecting on the transition from college basketball to the international stage and how this shaped her future ambitions, Johnson shared her perspective with FIBA:
“With my experience with USA basketball, it was very different. You know, playing under a different coach, playing in a whole different country, but it was great. I had my family there, it was definitely a great experience, just learning so much and learning so much about myself.”
It was really an opportunity for growth for me, and I'm so excited that I got to win a gold medal. Like that experience alone is crazy—even playing, the fans out there in Chile were fire. They were lit, it was a vibe. We had sold-out games and everything, so I had a great time."
While Johnson remains focused on her personal growth, women’s basketball itself is also on an upward trajectory with rising viewership and investment from fans and stakeholders. She discussed how new opportunities and milestones like these inspire the next generation. She also emphasized her gratitude for all of the past women who laid the foundation to make it a reality, and how much it means to be shown that more is still possible within the sport.
"It shows me that we are in a new time. It shows me that players are not just getting what they get and just taking it— It's like, no, we want more, we demand more. Women are working the table now, and I love that. I love seeing women really run the table. I love seeing us get things that we deserve and more,” she said. Johnson alluded to her vision for women’s basketball and what impact she wants to make on the game personally over the next decade.
I want to trailblaze. I want to take it to the max! I’ve planted, and I'm going to bloom. So I have to have the mindset and the confidence."
The guard plans to contribute to this evolving momentum in basketball by leaving her mark on and off the court.
"We have to push the barriers. It's our duty to do that. If we don't, we're gonna be failing the people who laid the blueprint. So I'm so excited, I’m just doing my best to make sure that whenever I leave— I leave it better than I found it.”
Whether she’s adjusting to a new role, sharing the floor with elite talent, or tuning out outside noise— Johnson knows it’s time to block the noise, and remind herself: "Man, “you’ve put the work in. You have put the work in. You literally did. You've done everything. You've prepared 100%…” That's why I don't really worry anymore, and I have to let it go. Because I know that I put the work in. I know that I did everything possible to set myself up in a position to succeed. So, I can't think any other way but to be confident in myself, and know at the end of the day, this is the game that you've been playing your whole life,” she said.
Looking back at Johnson’s evolution as a player from last season to this one, the theme seems to be rising to the occasion, in the spotlight or behind the scenes. She often reflects on the wisdom her coach helped instill in her— good players are worried about themselves, but great players bring other people with them.
"This year I've been working on bringing other people with me and really trying to up everybody else's level of mindset, confidence, and competition. So, I believe that's probably the most important thing that I've done, and it's because we have so many great players. We have so many great freshmen. We have so many people who are ready for their opportunity. So I'm just excited that I get to be a leader and kind of guide them. It's been beautiful.” It’s not just about her showing up physically for her team, but mentally for herself as well. Meanwhile, her USA Basketball and WNBA story is still being written, and she’s more prepared now than ever. “There's always being ready… I think if you stay ready, you don't have to get ready and when you get your opportunity, you have to make the most of it. That's what I feel like playing with USA basketball really teaches you.”
FIBA