How many people can boast of a natty in their very first year? Well, Flau’jae Johnson can! A freshman guard, averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds a game, creating a powerful one-two punch with one of LSU’s best centers ever was not on anyone’s 2022 bingo cards. Her entire collegiate career has been nothing if not successful, with one championship and two Elite Eight appearances in her resume already! But that’s the agonizing factor right there.

After a more-than-successful start to the season that had them unbeaten 20 games in, this year’s loss to UCLA was particularly bad. Kim Mulkey’s Tigers had no answer for Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez, even while Johnson tried her very best. The junior guard put up 28 points on nearly 60% from the field and looked unstoppable. But it was all for naught. LSU couldn’t muster up enough offense to match UCLA’s interior dominance as they were eliminated in the Elite Eight.

On Best of Both Worlds with Flau’jae, the LSU star talked about the mental aspect of losing at that stage, especially twice in two years. “It makes you put everything in perspective about basketball,” she said. “These are really big things. I learned a lot but… I’m just sick of the Elite Eight bro. I’m just sick of them.”

It might be odd to hear someone complaining about reaching the Elite Eight, but Flau’jae Johnson is simply built different. Her freshman year saw her play a major role in a championship-winning team, so after that? Elite Eights just don’t cut it. “From another person who ain’t win no natty, you’d be like–you made it to the Elite Eight–but that’s not enough for me.” Well, that’s the part keeping her in college and at LSU. The Big 4 doesn’t want to exit on an L, as she puts it.

That’s not to say she didn’t do her part, however. The LSU star bounced back from a scoring slump in the Round of 32 and the Sweet Sixteen, and she proved that great players shine through adversity. Even head coach Kim Mulkey had to take a step back and appreciate the young talent. But what exactly did she say? Let’s find out.

Flau’jae Johnson receives powerful praise from LSU head coach

There’s no doubt that Kim Mulkey loves Flau’jae Johnson and what she brings to the table. How could she not? The young point guard was essential in bringing a championship to Baton Rogue in her freshman year and has only progressed upwards since.

After an unsettling Elite Eight loss, Mulkey gave credit to Johnson and her efforts over the last few years. “Well, I remember when I took the LSU job. Flau’jae Johnson was the first McDonald’s All-American that I signed at LSU. Had not coached and won anything at LSU, and she came to LSU. So, she jumpstarted our program, really.” She said about the junior guard.

What she was saying is true! When Mulkey took the job, she didn’t have Angel Reese or any other reliable players. The transfer portal helped her out greatly, but FJ was her first high-school find. Kim Mulkey even went as far as to say–“I’m forever indebted to Flau’jae Johnson.” Because of her incredible contributions.

And her hunger is truly visible. Flau’jae’s frustration at back-to-back Elite Eight disappointments shows that the young star isn’t satisfied with ‘good enough’. She wants to win, and we can’t wait to see her flourish in her senior year!