LSU basketball star Flau’jae Johnson has decided to stay in college for another season, foregoing the 2025 WNBA Draft, a source familiar with the decision confirmed to Viral Sports News.
Johnson, who could have declared for the draft upon turning 22 this year, chose to utilize her final year of eligibility at LSU.
WNBA Draft Decision Deadline Has Passed
The deadline for declaring was March 31, but Johnson, whose team reached the Elite Eight, had until midnight Tuesday to decide following LSU’s season-ending 72-65 loss to UCLA.
A first-team All-SEC and third-team All-American this season, Johnson was projected to be a lottery pick in the WNBA draft. However, she has chosen to delay her professional career in favor of playing her senior year under a new collective bargaining agreement that promises significantly higher salaries for rookies.
Johnson’s return is a significant boon for LSU, which is set to lose several key players. Aneesah Morrow is heading to the WNBA, junior center Sa’Myah Smith has entered the transfer portal, and starting point guard Shayeann Day-Wilson is graduating.
Despite these changes, Johnson will have Mikaylah Williams returning alongside her on the wing for Williams’ third season.
LSU Faces Strong Outlook for 2025-26 Season
Under head coach Kim Mulkey, who has successfully navigated the transfer portal recently and brought in top talent like Angel Reese and Morrow, LSU is expected to remain a strong contender. The Tigers also boast the top-ranked recruiting class for the upcoming season, headlined by forward Grace Knox.
Reflecting on her decision, Johnson expressed a desire to carve out a leadership role in her final college season.
“Not to take away my national championship, but still, I want to do something where I’m one of the leaders on the team,” Johnson said after the Elite Eight loss.
With Johnson at the helm, LSU is poised to start the season as a top-10 team. She is firmly set on capturing another national title as the Tigers’ definitive leader.
