We are days away from the WNBA Draft and the chatter is loud. Like, can’t-scroll-Twitter-without-seeing-it loud. Paige Bueckers going No. 1 overall might be the headline, but you know fans are also curious about the ones who didn’t declare. And among the biggest names on that “maybe” list was LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson. She had the green light, the skills, the résumé but guess she’s running it back in purple and gold.

This whole thing started way back in November when Johnson dropped a casual bombshell: “If you don’t know, I am eligible for the [WNBA] Draft this year. So I’m kind of just letting God guide me.” Cut to the end of the Tigers’ season—Elite Eight exit, hearts broken, fans stressed—and Big 4 finally made it official: she’s staying. 

And Baton Rouge could finally breathe. Because if Big 4 had dipped, it would’ve been rough. Aneesah Morrow is heading to the W. Sa’Myah Smith and Last-Tear Poa hit the transfer portal. The Tigers were looking at a potential full-blown roster reset. LSU fans were practically lighting candles hoping Johnson wouldn’t be next.

But why did she stay? Well, she broke it down on her Best of Both Worlds podcast and gave us the inside scoop.

“As far as the draft, I thought about it,” she said. “But I’m like, you know I’m not, first of all, not trying to go out on an L, and second of all, you got to think about the CBA and all of that. Third, I want to try to win like I want to go out on a win, and it’s just like, I know I could develop more like I’m a great player, and I can’t turn it on and off, you know what I’m saying?”

She was also asked when she really made the decision. Was it after that March Madness heartbreak or did it take a while to settle in? Turns out, she already knew. She wasn’t going pro this year. And yes, Kim Mulkey had a role in that decision. “I talked to Coach Mulkey, and we just had a real conversation. I told her some real stuff about how I’ve been feeling,” the junior said. “I think that conversation really helped us and see what we both see in how I can make this year my best year.”

And we sort of already knew that the coach would have a big part, considering how close the two are. But the reasons Johnson gave are 100% valid. You know, the WNBA rookie salary right now is around $78K. But next year, thanks to the upcoming CBA, that number could jump to six figures. Waiting might just be the smartest move she makes.

Physically…Big 4 is already explosive, quick, skilled—but another year to add more strength and polish her game. Plus, she’s got some unfinished business. When LSU won the natty in 2023, she was just a freshman. Now, before leaving, she wants ‘her’ ring with ‘her’ team. And not to forget, the NIL factor. Her current value is $1.5 million. That’s more than a lot of WNBA players make. 

So why rush into a lower paycheck when staying another year gets you paid, gives you growth, and sets you up for a better draft class?

Meanwhile, as she got real about her own decision, she made sure Paige Bueckers got her shine. “Paige had a story book ending and it was beautiful for her,” Big 4 said. And truly, winning a natty first time in your fifth year after making deep runs multiple times and then going as the first pick is no less than a Disney movie. The entire hoop world is happy for her. However, while Johnson’s staying put and Bueckers is almost locked in for the top pick, another Tiger is heading to the pros. How are things looking for Aneesah Morrow?

Aneesah Morrow eyes top 10 in WNBA draft

The Tigers’ season-ending 72–65 loss to UCLA marked the end of Aneesah Morrow’s college chapter, and now, all eyes are on her WNBA future. The Draft’s happening Monday night in New York City, and Morrow’s name is firmly in the top 10 conversation.

After transferring from DePaul ahead of the 2023–24 season, Morrow became a force for LSU. She teamed up with Flau’Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams to form the Tigers’ “Big 3” and helped steer them to their third straight Elite Eight run. Morrow led the Tigers in scoring with 18.7 points per game and dominated the glass—13.5 boards a night, which led the nation. She also hit nearly 50% from the field and added 2.5 steals per game, improving in areas she made a priority. Draft experts have her projected anywhere from No. 5 to No. 10.

 The Connecticut Sun is a popular prediction, picking at No. 7. But with new expansion teams like the Golden State Valkyries entering the mix, don’t be surprised if someone snatches her early. Bleacher Report even has her going fifth overall. Her pro translation is where things get interesting. At 6-foot, she’s undersized for her position, and she’ll likely have to adapt her game to thrive in the league. But you know, Dallas Wings GM Curt Miller put it best: “Rebounding translates.” And Morrow has got that locked down.

As CBS Sports put it, “Trying to project where Morrow will be drafted may be the only thing more difficult than trying to project how she’ll fare on a WNBA court.” So, we never know how things will actually unfold. But one thing’s for sure: whichever franchise gets her, they’re getting a ‘really talented player’ in Miller’s words.