Seimone Augustus is back where it all began—LSU. And honestly, who better to join the Tigers’ coaching staff than someone who has already had a storied history with the program? Known for her calm yet candid personality, Augustus has quickly become a favorite among the team. One star player she’s built a special connection with is Flau’jae Johnson. Their bond, however, is all about keeping it real, which Augustus does best.

On the 21-year-old’s podcast, Best of Both Worlds, Augustus gave fans a glimpse into her coaching philosophy. “I think I’m like the voice of reason, I’m like the calm spirit on the staff. I’m honest; I tell y’all what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. If I had to sum it up, I’m a players’ coach,” she shared. And Flau’jae couldn’t agree more.

And her recent Instagram post totally proves it. Their playful dynamic recently lit up Instagram when Augustus posted two hilarious photos. The first showed Flau’jae seemingly questioning something, while in the second, Augustus appeared mid-explanation. Captioning the post, the Olympian explained the exchange:

“BIG 4’: Coach, I think I could’ve beat you back in the day.
ME (1st Pic): ‘4,’ see, I would have started down there.
ME (2nd Pic): Caught the rock, crossed you over, and dotted your eye with my jumper right here. 😎
‘BIG 4’: MANNNN COACH, smacks lips 🙄 starts hating.
ME: 😂🤣😂🤣😂.”

If this doesn’t scream “players’ coach,” what does? Augustus knows how to build bonds while keeping her players grounded. It’s this approach that fulfills her promise of being honest yet supportive. And this can only come from the fact that you have lived both lives as a coach and a star player.

Before stepping into her role as assistant coach, Seimone Augustus already had an unmatched legacy at LSU. Leading the Tigers to three straight NCAA Final Fours from 2004 to 2006, she became a household name. She carried it over into the WNBA, winning four championships with the Minnesota Lynx and earning three Olympic gold medals.

In 2023, Augustus became the first LSU female athlete honored with a statue. Reflecting on her debut as a player, Augustus said on the podcast, “I grew up going to LSU games… to walk out or run out and you see all of these fans, just kind of, like, going crazy over women’s basketball, obviously, that was wild.” Now back as a coach, her passion for LSU’s growth hasn’t waned one bit.

The coach isn’t just about the past, though. She is also tuned into the modern game, including the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. While she sees NIL as a fantastic opportunity, Flau’jae Johnson offered a more nuanced take on the podcast.

Flau’jae Johnson highlights the reality of NIL deals

Putting her point forward, Big 4 said, “I’ve learned that being in the NIL era, players get scrutinized for taking advantage of it.” She highlighted Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders as a prime example. Known for his flashy “watch flex,” featuring a $70,000 Audemars Piguet, Sanders has divided public opinion. 

Flau’jae also emphasized how NIL deals can help athletes build a future beyond sports. “You get four years. The universities are making so much money, and now they’ve given us a platform to make money, build our brands, and create something that lasts way beyond college,” she explained.

Recently, Flau’jae took her NIL journey to the next level by teaming up with the 3-on-3 Unrivaled Basketball League. In addition to equity in the league, she’ll play a key role in its content initiatives. “This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about pushing the game forward and creating real opportunities for women in sports,” she said.

Despite the positives, Flau’jae remains grounded about the challenges. But with mentors like Augustus, who has thrived every high and low of basketball, she’s in good hands. Both hoopers represent two eras of basketball, yet their connection bridges the gap seamlessly. Let’s look forward to more of their conversations and playful moments.