The four-time WNBA champions are beginning a new era this season. This new-look Seattle Storm team will not be short on energy and excitement. First-time WNBA head coach Sonia Raman will have the job of corralling these young ladies, aiding in their development, and guiding their growth. Louisiana State University guard Flau’Jae Johnson, will play a major role in establishing the team’s new identity.
With the 14th pick in the WNBA draft, the Storm drafted Marta Suárez. The Storm then were able to send Suárez and a 2028 second‑round pick to the Golden State Valkyries, shortly after they drafted LSU’s Johnson with the eighth pick. This bold move presumably gives the Storm a high‑impact young guard, while the Valkyries merely gained cap flexibility and an additional pick.
No longer will this team be led by WNBA veterans such as Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, or Gabby Williams. Though the Storm will be looking to maximize the strengths of their second-year phenom, Dominique Malonga, and three-time All-Defensive Team Ezi Magbegor, this guard-heavy team will likely go as far as Natisha Hiedeman and Johnson can take them.
As a four-year starter at Louisiana State University, Johnson averaged 14.6 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, and 2.3 assists per game, on 46.7 percent shooting from the field and 37.3 percent from behind the arc. She also made the All-SEC Freshman team and the 2024 All-SEC Tournament team, as they won the 2022/23 NCAA championship.
Johnson was already one of the most accomplished ladies to be drafted into the WNBA on Draft night. After Seattle’s aggressive trade, she became the talk of the draft. The ultra-aware, burgeoning music mogul appeared on Good Morning America the morning after the draft, wearing a Gary Payton jersey. I love the chutzpah, but I was more curious about her motivation.
“His defense—I have to get better defensively, especially at this level, if I want to make the impact I want,” the motivational rapper Johnson said about Payton’s influence on her game. “He’s the Glove… maybe I can be the Mitten, or something. I want to bring that intensity and what he brought to the city.”
There is zero question that Johnson’s jersey choice wasn’t measured. While in New York for the NBA draft, she made time to record a music video. A prominent line in her recent release confirms she’s a goal setter, when she states, “from the floor, to the booth, to the front cover of Vogue.” This confidence and SWAG will be big for the Storm as the season progresses.
“She came in with confidence, skill, and talent, and she’s been growing from there. As she learns the system and understands where to be, she’s integrating her instincts with structure,” said coach Raman about how she has seen Johnson grow over training camp. “Her teammates have taken to her, and she’s doing a great job finding them, being a playmaker, and bringing energy every day.”
For anyone questioning whether Johnson can focus on her WNBA career while simultaneously becoming one of the hottest female rappers around, she had this to say about balancing both careers.
“Just be where my feet are. When I’m here, I’m all here. I try to be consistent and be the best version of myself,” Johnson states proudly. “When you strive for that every day, good things come out of it — even when you make mistakes. Good things come from good intentions. I try to be intentional with everything I do.”
Similar to basketball, being a rapper requires rhythm, quick wit, and improvisation. I was curious to hear how her game influenced her rap style, or was it the other way around?
“Same way — you’ve got to be confident. You’ve got to think quickly. You’ve got to make great decisions. Confidence is the main thing I’m having a good time with — being confident in my ability and knowing my teammates are confident too,” Johnson shared. “Especially the vets — they’re always talking to me, telling me what I’m doing well and what I need to fix. When someone tells you something to fix, that’s them believing in you, trusting you on the court. So I’m all ears, and I’m thankful for the people around me.”
Her spirit and energy are infectious, and she gets along with each of her teammates and has provided nicknames for most of them. Ensuring everyone has nothing but positive things to say about her.
“Flau’Jae came in with an amazing mindset — she already looks like a vet.” Second-year center from France, Dominique Malonga, shared. “I give her the natural pep talks: don’t overthink, you’re a pro, you know what you’re doing, bring energy. I was like her, my first games — overthinking, wanting to be perfect, which is impossible. So, I tell her to find ways to be efficient right away. On defense, be loud. Be super loud. That’s important.”
When asked about her initial thoughts of the city of Seattle, Johnson said, “I’m in love. I’m a nature girl. I haven’t gotten my bike up here yet, but I want a bike. I love the city.”
Many of her family members went with her to the draft, where her little brother nearly stole the show with his excitement for his big sister. Now that the draft has passed and she is over 2,800 miles from home, I was wondering who traveled with her to Seattle.
“My mom’s got three little babies, she’s still running the business, building a house in Atlanta. So, I’m out here. Shout out to Uncle Rock — he came out here,” Johnson shared. “But it’s really just me in Seattle with the vibes.”
With the season starting at home on Friday, May 7th, against the Golden State Valkyries, she won’t have much time to be homesick. With the love and support Seattle Storm fans are notorious for, there is little doubt she will enjoy her time on this team and in the Emerald City.
What are you expecting from this new version of the Seattle Storm this season? Share your thoughts with me at https://x.com/whatsgoodnsport.
