“She’s good to go. She’s ready to go. She will bounce back just like All-Americans do,” said Kim Mulkey about Flau’Jae Johnson hours before the LSU Tigers-UCLA Bruins matchup kicked off. The star player had failed to leave a memorable impression in the previous game, scoring just 3 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists over 30 minutes against the NC State Wolfpack. With the outcome of the recent game determining whether the Tigers would head to the Final Four for the 2nd time in 5 years, the moment’s importance could not have been underestimated. While Johnson stepped up against the Bruins, it wasn’t unfortunately enough. In light of this, the player was willing to accept some personal responsibility, despite her improved score.
Flau’jae Johnson, Kim Mulkey, and other LSU Tigers players participated in a post-game presser after the 72-65 loss against the UCLA Bruins. During the same, a reporter complimented the 21-year-old for having a ‘monstrous’ 2nd half, and asked about the mindset the player developed after half-time. Johnson attributed the same to a “mindset of perseverance”, since “I didn’t have a good second quarter. I feel like I made the team go into a drought, and so, you know, I just try to come back in the second half, not force it. Just play within the system, and try to make some stuff happen”.
Johnson’s self-criticism did not stop just there, as she also spoke about how difficult the Bruins squad made things for her and the team inside the paint. This prevented the Tigers from getting some good looks and increasing the rate of turnovers. Addressing this issue, Johnson added, “I would say, of course, size. You know, you alter your shot a little bit. Um, also I would say very physical, you know. We play physical teams, but very physical on the inside”.
Flau’jae Johnson came out as the LSU Tigers’ lead scorer during the game, recording 28 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists over 37 minutes. She remained efficient enough, making 10-17 (58.8%) field goals, 3-6 (50.0%) 3-pointers, and 5-5 (100.0%) free throws. She went 2-of-7 from the floor for four points through the first two quarters. However, the junior soon recovered, and ignited the Tigers by scoring 24 second-half points on 8-of-9 shooting.
LSU’s defense, as a whole, kept UCLA in check in the first quarter, and held the team to just nine points. What was another major advantage was that Lauren Betts got on the bench in foul trouble in the second quarter. Despite this, UCLA was able to take control of the game by going on a 12-2 run. The squad went to the half with a 31-25 lead. Johnson’s comeback performance helped cut down the lead to a single possession at one point. Unfortunately, too many mistakes, including the Tigers’ theme of committing double-digit turnovers, sealed their fate. In the end, UCLA walked away with the win that allows them to head to the Final Four for the first time in program history.
Apr 1, 2024; Albany, NY, USA; LSU Lady Tigers guard Flau’jae Johnson (4) reacts in the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Albany Regional in the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The recent loss must have been more of a sting for Flau’Jae Johnson than the previous ones. After all, it isn’t immediately clear what the future holds next for her. It is possible that Johnson forgoes her senior season in Baton Rouge and declares for the 2025 WNBA draft. At the same time, she could opt to return to LSU for one more year. If she chooses the former option, then Johnson would be going to the pros without having an NCAA champion title. Having reached so far in the March Madness series only to fall back down would make anyone dejected, especially someone for whom it has happened for the 3rd consecutive season. Fortunately, Johnson was able to receive a comforting shoulder from her head coach.
Kim Mulkey gave Flau’jae Johnson her flowers, becoming her support system during the presser
Only a few days ago, the narrative was running that Kim Mulkey was not impressed with Flau’jae Johnson. It arose after the coach was caught giving her star player the side-eye on the night she went scoreless in the first half and recorded only 3 points by the end of the game. Now, despite the loss, the head coach had nothing but compliments for Johnson.
“Flau’Jae Johnson was the first McDonald’s All-American that I signed at LSU. Had not coached and won anything at LSU, and she came to LSU. So, she jumpstarted our program, really,” said Mulkey. “And then the portal helped us. We brought in Angel and lots of other players. But Flau’Jae was a high school All-American, and we got her. So, I’m forever indebted to Flau’Jae Johnson”.
Mulkey’s remarks came around the same time Flau’Jae Johnson got a bit emotional. When discussing what she would take from the season as a whole, her voice could be heard cracking a bit. This led to Mulkey, who was sitting just beside her, to comfort Johnson by tapping her head and her back. It was a comfort knowing that the coach was right there to serve as a support system when her star player needed her the most.
What do you think the future holds for Flau’jae Johnson? Let us know in the comments section down below.
The post Flau’jae Johnson Throws Herself Under the Bus as Kim Mulkey Becomes LSU Star’s Support System After March Madness Exit appeared first on EssentiallySports.