“I definitely want to win, but I want to make sure I’m being developed to be the player that I want to be in the WNBA.” This is what LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson said when she announced her decision to stay in Baton Rouge for another year. A move no one saw coming. Everyone expected Flau’jae to join her teammate Aneesah Morrow and enter the WNBA draft. Johnson was a projected top 10 pick in most mock drafts, but she decided to stay. For some fans, though, the decision didn’t come as a total surprise. The introduction of NIL has completely reshaped the college hoops landscape. Even a former Golden State Warrior joined in to talk about it.
In 2025, it’s nearly impossible to talk about college sports without bringing up NIL. What once felt like a distant dream just a few years ago has now flipped the entire landscape. Athletes are not only playing for pride and development–they’re making real money, and the transfer portal has become a key tool in maximizing their value. And why shouldn’t they? For decades, schools have reaped the rewards of their athletes’ success. Now, the players finally have the right to secure their own piece of the pie while still in college.
While NIL has been a game changer for athletes, it’s been a disaster for programs thanks to the transfer portal. Each year, thousands of athletes enter the portal to test their true value in the market. Richard Jefferson had some strong views about it.
On the Best of Both Worlds with Flau’jae podcast, the 2016 NBA champion weighed in on today’s college hoops landscape, particularly the transfer portal. “I wish kids now could stay in one place and develop and still feel like they could be successful, that’s the one thing,” he said. A sentiment that reflects the nostalgia many veterans, including the likes of John Wall, feel about loyalty and growth within a single program.
One of the clearest examples of NIL’s growing influence is Great Osobor. After making the move from Utah State to the Washington Huskies, reports surfaced that his NIL valuation had skyrocketed to an eye-popping $2 million. Not only did he reunite with his former coach, Danny Sprinkle, but he also got the perfect opportunity to truly test the value of his name in today’s booming NIL market.
But while thousands of players are jumping through the portal each year to test the market, Flau’jae Johnson has chosen a different path–one of loyalty. She’s stuck with the Lady Tigers and Coach Kim Mulkey, heading into her senior year without ever flirting with the idea of leaving. Reflecting on that decision in the same podcast episode, she said, “Like, I love it but I hate it at the same time because it’s like there’s no developing, you know what I’m saying?”
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
Flau’jae Johnson already has a national title under her belt, winning it all in her sophomore year with LSU under the watchful eye of Kim Mulkey. She’s never been shy about crediting her coach for molding her into the player she is today. Last season, Johnson took a big leap, averaging a career-high 18.6 points and earning Third-Team All-American honors from The Associated Press. But she knows that there’s a lot to learn before taking the leap to the W, and for her, there’s no better place to grow than right where she is–under her mentor’s guidance! In an era where big-money NIL deals are changing everything, Flau’jae’s choice to stay at LSU proves that loyalty still has a place in college basketball!
But now, all eyes are back on the portal. The question on everyone’s mind–can LSU build a squad strong enough to give Flau’jae the fairytale ending her college career deserves? Let’s dive into what the Lady Tigers have been cooking up this offseason!
Flau’jae Johnson and co looking to add a big name this portal
So far, Kim Mulkey and the Tigers have been active in the portal, bringing in two key frontcourt additions–Notre Dame’s Kate Koval and East Carolina’s Amiya Joyner. The moves come as a response to the losses of five players: Sa’Myah Smith, Last-Tear Poa, Aalyah Del Rosario, Jersey Wolfenbarger, and Mjracle Sheppard. Don’t forget the fact that they just lost their best player to the WNBA as well!
The Lady Tigers are actively searching for a true floor general after losing key backcourt production to the portal. With Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams returning, LSU still needs a dependable point guard to run the show. Since Alexis Morris left in 2023, the Tigers have faced challenges at the point guard position–but those struggles could soon be a thing of the past.
According to reports, LSU could be on the verge of landing an elite transfer from their biggest SEC rival–the South Carolina Gamecocks! MiLaysia Fulwiley’s search for a new home is nearing its end, and if the rumors are to be believed, it could very well be Baton Rouge. Despite making only three starts, Fulwiley was one of the SEC’s top scorers off the bench as a freshman and sophomore, averaging 11.7 points per game in both seasons. She was also South Carolina’s second-leading scorer last year.
It could be a huge coup for Kim Mulkey and co if they manage to secure Fulwiley. While it remains to be seen if they can get it over the line, the expectations are high that they’ll pull it off. Flau’jae Johnson and the Tigers have one more year together, and they’re determined to end next March Madness with another championship! Stay tuned for more updates!
The post LSU Loyalty Proves Rewarding for Flau’jae Johnson Thanks To Ex-Warriors Star’s Bold NIL Stance appeared first on EssentiallySports.