LSU Star Flau'jae Johnson Prepares for WNBA Draft

The basketball phenom and recording artist looks to inspire young girls as she takes the next step in her career.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:05pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, vibrant colors depicting Flau'jae Johnson's basketball gameplay and musical performances, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes that capture the dynamic energy of her diverse talents.Flau'jae Johnson's dynamic career as a basketball star and recording artist is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, reflecting the multifaceted nature of her talents and achievements.Baton Rouge Today

Flau'jae Johnson, a standout basketball player at LSU who also found success as a recording artist, is preparing to be selected in the upcoming WNBA draft. Johnson, who was named after her father, a rapper who was killed before she was born, has overcome obstacles throughout her life to become a 2,000-point scorer, Billboard-charting artist, and corporate powerhouse. After helping LSU win its first national championship in her freshman year, Johnson is now poised to take her talents to the professional level, where she hopes to continue inspiring young girls to defy limitations.

Why it matters

Flau'jae Johnson's journey from a young girl breaking gender barriers in her hometown to becoming a college basketball star and successful recording artist serves as an inspirational story for aspiring athletes and artists, particularly young women. Her refusal to let societal norms define her path and her commitment to uplifting her teammates make her a role model for the next generation.

The details

Flau'jae Johnson, a native of Georgia, has overcome significant challenges throughout her life. Named after her father, a rapper who was killed before she was born, Johnson has used her father's legacy as motivation to reach her full potential. She broke gender barriers early on, becoming the first girl on her local baseball team and the first girl to compete in the Iverson Classic. In 2018, she appeared on America's Got Talent, passionately performing an original song called 'I Can't Lose.' At LSU, Johnson continued to excel, helping the team win its first national championship in her freshman year. Over her four-year college career, she averaged 14.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, and earlier this month, the mayor of Baton Rouge presented her with a key to the city in recognition of her accomplishments.

  • Flau'jae Johnson will be selected in the 2026 WNBA draft on April 13, 2026.
  • In 2018, Johnson appeared on America's Got Talent and performed an original song called 'I Can't Lose'.
  • Johnson helped the LSU women's basketball team win its first national championship in her freshman year.

The players

Flau'jae Johnson

A standout basketball player at LSU who also found success as a recording artist, Flau'jae Johnson is preparing to be selected in the upcoming WNBA draft. She was named after her father, a rapper who was killed before she was born, and has used his legacy as motivation to reach her full potential.

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU women's basketball team, Kim Mulkey has played a pivotal role in Flau'jae Johnson's development and success.

Sid Edwards

The mayor-president of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sid Edwards presented Flau'jae Johnson with a key to the city in recognition of her incredible college basketball career.

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What they’re saying

“If I was watching this game, I'd turn it off.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach

“I'm a trailblazer, and my path isn't defined by societal norms. How can I inspire young girls to defy limitations if I don't embody that courage myself?”

— Flau'jae Johnson

“All people want is someone to believe in them.”

— Flau'jae Johnson

What’s next

Flau'jae Johnson will be selected in the 2026 WNBA draft on April 13, 2026, where she will take the next step in her professional basketball career.

The takeaway

Flau'jae Johnson's inspiring journey from a young girl breaking gender barriers to becoming a college basketball star and successful recording artist serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a refusal to let societal norms define one's path. As she prepares to enter the WNBA, Johnson's story will continue to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams and defy limitations.