Flau’jae Johnson initially dreamed of pursuing baseball, but when her interest faded, basketball became her true calling. She soon earned a spot on the Sprayberry High School roster, proudly wearing #4. Her exceptional talent, crowned by her Jordan Brand Classic MVP title, left such an impact that she became the first girl in the school’s history to have her jersey retired. As expected, she carried her beloved #4 into her collegiate career at LSU, where it also inspired her rap name, “Big 4.” But what makes #4 so special to Flau’jae?

The story begins in Savannah, where she grew up. Johnson idolized a local basketball player named Mardaugh, a dominant force who played for the High and also wore #4. “He was the coldest out of the city, and he was murdered,” Flau’jae explained.

“I started wearing the number out of respect for him and the city,” she added in a recent episode of her Podcast show Best of both worlds with Flau’jae. Over time, the number became an extension of her identity, with family and friends calling her “Big 4,” cementing its personal and symbolic significance. “It kinda just took a whole name of its own,” she admits.

The number seems to bring Johnson luck too.

From her high school triumphs at the Jordan Brand Classic to averaging nearly 24 points and seven rebounds per game, #4 has been a constant in her journey. Naturally, she has set her sights on wearing it in the WNBA as well.

Flau’Jae Johnson’s willing to go to great lengths to secure it

Flau’jae Johnson is stepping up in a big way, working tirelessly to fill the gap left by her close friend Angel Reese. Her recent performances say it all—three 20+ point games in her last five outings make one thing clear: Flau’jae is carving a path straight to WNBA stardom. But when it comes to her iconic #4, there’s no room for compromise. Out of sheer curiosity, she was asked if she’d consider another number in the league. Her answer?

“No. Absolutely not. I’m Big 4, I ain’t gonna lie. If I joined a team and someone had that number, I’d be like, ‘Ay, can I please get that number?’” Flau’jae revealed. And if the response was a no? “Then I’d be like, ‘Can I pay for it?’ And I’d pay top dollar.”

For Flau’jae, #4 is more than a jersey number; it’s a sentimental emblem that’s been with her throughout her rise and has now become a key part of her brand. “It took time for me to make this a brand,” she said, emphasizing just how much the number means to her. Her future in the WNBA seems inevitable. She recently confirmed her eligibility for the 2025 draft, but stayed tight-lipped on her plans. So while the question still remains, seems like #4 is going to see a new face eventually.