When the 2024-25 season started for LSU, Kim Mulkey wasn’t looking for a lead scorer in Flau’jae Johnson. The head coach had others to take care of that role. What she truly needed of the Big 4, was for her to be the leader. And fortunately for Mulkey (or not), she did just that. Johnson led in points, and she bolstered the Tigers’ spirits. “She’s been a great leader,” Mikaylah Williams would corroborate. But a downside? LSU badly fumbled when the star guard stepped off the court. 

It was during the game against Tennessee early in February that Flau’jae Johnson started feeling the pain in her leg. She ended up scoring 12 points that evening regardless, but it felt like the beginning of a bad stretch for LSU. They lost the very next game against Texas, and two weeks later, they were 2-3, with Johnson ruled out for the SEC Tournament, thanks to shin inflammation. Though Kim Mulkey would say, the guard’s absence, “doesn’t affect us,” the Tigers did struggle, add another player’s injury to the list.

They finished the regular season on a losing note, fell out of the SEC Tournament with a subpar total of 49, and their near-confirmed no.2 seed in the March Madness is now in question. But amid the dark clouds, LSU can finally sense a little sunshine. Just hours ago, Johnson shared an Instagram story that read: “1st workout back with a smile in the court!”  That’s right — she’s back on the court, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. 

Just days left to the March Madness, the Tigers need their general on the court ready to go. Through 30 games, Johnson’s been putting up 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists a night. But it’s her experience that matters most — a national champ as a freshman and a key piece in last year’s Elite Eight run. Moreover, the Tigers had to bear the news of Aneesah Morrow’s foot sprain too, that forced her to the sidelines in the SEC semifinals game against Texas. 

However, things are finally falling into place for LSU, and Kim Mulkey is confident about her #4. “I have a lot of confidence that she’ll be ready to go,” the head coach said earlier this month.

As for Morrow, the double-double machine, doctors have given a thumbs up for her as well, Mulkey reveals. “Win or lose, we have playoffs hosting. Flau’jae will be back. Everything is good… We have everybody,” she added after the semifinals loss. 

Predicted to rank in the top 4 seeds, LSU stands a chance to the first round. That would make a fourth NCAA Tournament appearance for Kim Mulkey with the Tigers, and after a championship campaign, followed by an Elite Eight, the expectations are high. Though their SEC stumble raised some doubts, with Johnson and Morrow in the hopes of getting back, the Tigers might be gearing up for a deep run. 

Flau’jae Johnson steps up from the bench as a coach

Flau’jae Johnson might have been sidelined with shin splints, but that didn’t stop her from making an impact. Even though she couldn’t suit up, Johnson was coaching up her teammates Friday night against Florida — and her leadership didn’t go unnoticed.

Mikaylah Williams called Johnson a “player-coach” when talking about how she’s stepped up off the court. “I think her just being a players’ coach,” Williams said on the SEC Network postgame show. “Our players listen to her. She’s showing what she sees on the court, like what we wouldn’t see on the court when we’re playing.”

Jersey 4 and 24 both have also been recognized for their dominant seasons. On Sunday, both were named finalists for the John R. Wooden Award, which honors the most outstanding player in the country each season. Johnson and Morrow have been driving forces behind LSU’s 27-4 regular season record, and without those late-season injuries, they might have had a shot at the SEC Championship.

It’s not easy to stay engaged while injured, but LSU guard staying positive and keeping the team locked in. Williams knows how hard it is to sit out — she went through it last year herself. “Just keeping everybody up spirits and keeping everybody great,” Williams said. “She’s been a great leader so far.”

That leadership matters. Johnson’s not just one of LSU’s top scorers — she’s also a steady voice in the huddle. Now that she’s working her way back onto the court, LSU could be getting both a leader and a scorer back just in time for March Madness.