'Step Up': Analyst Sends Clear Message to Flau’Jae Johnson Ahead of March Madness
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NCAA, College League, USA Womens Basketball 2025: Florida St. Vs LSU MAR 24 March 24, 2025: LSU s FlauJae Johnson 4 is introduced to the crowd prior to second round action of the NCAA Women s March Madness Tournament between the Florida St. Seminoles and the LSU Tigers at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Jonathan Mailhes/CSM Credit Image: Â Jonathan Mailhes/Cal Media Baton Rouge La USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20250324_zma_c04_037.jpg JonathanxMailhesx csmphotothree368648
Just when the LSU Tigers are warming up to enter the March Madness as the 2nd seed, senior analysts have some advice for Flau’Jae Johnson.
The 5’10 senior Guard has been the cornerstone of the program, and it’s 27-5 record. But before the real showdown tips off, analysts Caroline Fenton and Cassandra Negley had to highlight a couple of things for Johnson.
“I think the thing about LSU is Flau’Jae Johnson absolutely needs to be the senior that she is”, said Negley on March 17, in the Yahoo Sports episode. “And step up in a big way for this team in a way that she didn't in the SEC tournament.”
via Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Womens Basketball 2025: Florida St. Vs LSU MAR 24 March 24, 2025: LSU s FlauJae Johnson 4 drives to the basket for a lay up during second round action of the NCAA Women s March Madness Tournament between the Florida St. Seminoles and the LSU Tigers at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Jonathan Mailhes/CSM Credit Image: Â Jonathan Mailhes/Cal Media Baton Rouge La USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20250324_zma_c04_026.jpg JonathanxMailhesx csmphotothree368581
Averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists for the season, Johnson stayed with the Tigers for all 4 years. Crucial for the 112–78 quarterfinal victory over the Oklahoma Sooners on March 6, Johnson hit her 2000th career point. But the March Madness demands more consistency.
So, Negley feels that Johnson needs to “consistently play at a certain level” and “step up to end in the right way.” However, this is not really any different from what Johnson herself wants.
Flau’Jae Johnson “Owes” a Title to the Tigers
Though Fenton highlighted Johnson’s lack of consistency, she didn’t forget to add that Johnson can be the X factor in making LSU a final four contender. And back in 2025, Johnson’s senior season plan looked the same.
“I didn't want to go out on a loss when I didn't have to," she said some months after LSU fell short in the 2025 Elite Eight. “If I have another year, why not try to go out as a champion? I owe it to LSU. I owe it to Baton Rouge. A lot of players don't stay four years anymore. I'm loyal to the soil."
After kicking off your freshman year with a championship as the SEC Freshman of the Year, it's only natural to want a repetition. The analysts said what they said, and the athlete has her plans. Now it’s only a matter of time before we see the results.
What’s your take on it? Comment it down.
Written by
Deblina Roy
Edited by
Kaamna Dwivedi