Should she choose to enter the 2025 WNBA Draft, Flau'Jae Johnson is expected to be one of the most highly sought rookies of the year and could drastically alter the makeup of many mock drafts. Johnson, who turns 22 on November 3, is eligible for this year's draft due to her age.
On Sunday, March 30, ESPN's Alexa Philippou offered an update from Johnson on her draft status. "Flau'jae Johnson said she's still thinking about whether to come back to LSU next season or declare for the WNBA draft," Philippou wrote. "She is going to talk to Kim Mulkey and her family before making her decision. She is eligible for the 2025 draft as she turns 22 this calendar year."
Why Flau'Jae Johnson should enter the 2025 WNBA Draft
There's a lot in Johnson's favor should she declare for this year's draft, a decision she has 48 hours to make from Sunday's game, especially if Notre Dame's Olivia Miles opts to return to Notre Dame this year. Should Miles abstain from the draft, Johnson is very nearly a guaranteed lock as the No. 2 overall pick — something that might not be as easily guaranteed in 2026.
The only other athlete who could potentially be drafted at the No. 2 spot is Dominique Malonga out of France. And while her profile is strong — she's 19, able to dunk, and 6'6" — Johnson would bring a lot of fans and star power to any team lucky enough to sign her.
The No. 2 overall spot would land Johnson in Seattle. The Storm are in dire need of a starter shooting guard, which would guarantee Johnson plenty of minutes and the ability to hit the ground running in the league. She would likely find a strong mentor in Skylar Diggins-Smith, is a shoo-in for Unrivaled next year, and would overall benefit from taking advantage of a weaker draft year.
Why Flau'Johnson should stay at LSU for one more year
Though she is technically old enough to be drafted this year, there's a strong case to be made for Johnson to stay in school, complete her degree, and potentially go after a championship once again with Kim Mulkey. It's likely LSU will want to keep her, especially since her teammate Aneesah Morrow will be leaving the program.
Johnson is also a top NIL athlete and has several endorsement deals through the program, something that is likely to continue with one more year with the Tigers.
But there's one more factor that might keep Johnson at LSU: there's a real possibilty she could be next year's No. 1 overall pick, though she will be up against stiff compeitition from Lauren Betts and Ta'Niya Latson.
Johnson will have to make a decision by Tuesday, April 1.