South Carolina Guard Raven Johnson Stuns College Basketball World by Announcing Her Return for the 2025 Season

The world of college basketball was shaken to its core when Raven Johnson, one of the most promising young stars in the game, made the bombshell announcement that she would be returning to the University of South Carolina for the 2025 season. Johnson’s decision to stay in college instead of declaring for the WNBA Draft caught the basketball community by surprise and set the stage for what is shaping up to be a historic year for the Gamecocks.

Raven Johnson’s journey to the elite level of college basketball has been one of relentless determination, talent, and sheer willpower. As a young, athletic guard with a high basketball IQ, she quickly became one of the standout players in the 2022 recruiting class. At the time of her recruitment, Johnson was heralded as one of the most complete point guards to come out of high school in years.

Born and raised in the heart of Georgia, Johnson attended Westlake High School in Atlanta, where she led her team to multiple state championships and solidified her place as one of the top prospects in the nation. Her playmaking ability, speed, and leadership on the court earned her a reputation that resonated beyond the Southeast, with multiple major programs vying for her commitment.

Ultimately, Johnson chose South Carolina, a program that had quickly risen to the upper echelon of women’s college basketball under head coach Dawn Staley. Joining the Gamecocks in 2022, Johnson was thrust into a highly competitive environment alongside some of the nation’s top talents. As a freshman, she showed flashes of brilliance, contributing both as a scorer and facilitator. Her energy and maturity on the court impressed both her teammates and coaches alike.

But it was during her sophomore season that Johnson’s impact was truly felt. In a season where the Gamecocks were once again one of the best teams in the country, Johnson’s growth as a leader and floor general elevated her to national prominence. She was a key contributor to South Carolina’s success, particularly on the defensive end, where her quickness and anticipation allowed her to disrupt opposing offenses with ease.

Heading into the 2024 season, Raven Johnson was already seen as one of the premier guards in women’s college basketball. South Carolina had once again assembled a star-studded roster, including the likes of Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal, among others. Johnson was expected to play a major role in the Gamecocks’ quest for yet another national title.

Throughout the season, Johnson showed why many considered her one of the best point guards in the game. Her ability to score, pass, and defend at an elite level helped the Gamecocks dominate both in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage. Whether it was setting up teammates for easy buckets, hitting clutch shots, or locking down the opposing team’s best player, Johnson was the consummate leader.

However, despite her personal success, South Carolina’s journey to the national championship was marred by a few hurdles. Injuries, some underperforming moments, and the rise of fierce competition from other powerhouse programs like Stanford and UConn created a more unpredictable postseason landscape. Still, Johnson’s performance in the regular season did not go unnoticed. Her versatility and growth in all facets of the game made her a consensus All-SEC selection, and she earned a spot on numerous preseason All-American teams for the 2024-2025 season.

When the 2024 season ended, the natural question for many was whether Raven Johnson would declare for the WNBA Draft. Johnson had the talent to make an immediate impact at the next level, and many believed she was ready to make the jump after just two seasons in college.

However, in a stunning twist, Johnson announced in a heartfelt post on social media that she would be returning to South Carolina for the 2025 season, forgoing the opportunity to enter the professional ranks.

“I’m not done yet. There’s more to accomplish here,” Johnson wrote in her post. “I owe it to myself, my teammates, and this university to come back and finish what we started. This is where I belong, and I can’t wait for what’s next.”

This decision reverberated through the college basketball world, sending shockwaves through social media and beyond. The fact that Johnson was returning for another season in college had immediate and far-reaching implications, not only for South Carolina but for the entire landscape of women’s college basketball.

The immediate impact of Johnson’s decision was felt at South Carolina, where expectations for the 2025 season shot through the roof. The Gamecocks were already one of the top programs in the country, and with Johnson’s return, they were now considered the favorite to win the national title.

For Coach Dawn Staley, Johnson’s return provided a huge boost. Staley, one of the most successful and respected coaches in women’s basketball, has built a dynasty at South Carolina. With players like Boston, Cooke, and Beal already on the roster, and with the addition of Johnson’s leadership and skillset, the Gamecocks looked poised for yet another championship run.

“Raven’s return is a game-changer for us,” said Staley in an interview. “Her maturity, leadership, and ability to impact every facet of the game make her an indispensable part of this team. We are excited to have her back, and we know she has unfinished business here.”

The dynamic between Johnson and her teammates will also be a key factor in the team’s success. Having played alongside some of the most talented players in the country, Johnson’s return adds another layer of depth and cohesion to a squad that already has championship experience. With the likes of Zia Cooke and Brea Beal providing scoring and defense, Johnson’s playmaking and leadership will be crucial in helping South Carolina remain at the top of women’s college basketball.

Johnson’s decision to return also has broader implications for the WNBA. The 2025 WNBA Draft, which was expected to be filled with top-tier talent, will now be missing one of its most hyped prospects. Johnson’s absence from the draft has led to a shift in projections, with other players now likely to move up in the rankings.

While Johnson’s return may disappoint some WNBA teams eager to add her talent to their rosters, the decision also shows the depth of commitment that athletes like Johnson have to their college teams. The decision to stay in college for another year, especially after proving herself on the national stage, is indicative of the growing trend among top athletes who value their college experience and want to maximize their impact before turning pro.

For the WNBA, this may be a temporary loss, but it is a win for college basketball. It speaks to the increasing level of competition in women’s college sports, where the best players are often choosing to stay longer and develop further before making the jump to professional leagues. It also points to the importance of creating an environment where athletes feel valued and motivated to stay, something that is becoming more evident across various sports.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Raven Johnson and the South Carolina Gamecocks. With expectations higher than ever before, Johnson’s return will no doubt be met with pressure, but she is no stranger to it. Over the course of her career, she has consistently shown the ability to rise to the occasion, whether it was in clutch moments during the regular season or stepping up in the postseason.

Johnson’s skill set has continued to evolve, and in the 2025 season, it’s likely that we’ll see an even more polished and dynamic version of the player who already has the potential to be one of the best guards in the country. The ability to score at all three levels, distribute the basketball, and be a tenacious defender will make Johnson a force to be reckoned with.

But perhaps the most significant factor of all is Johnson’s leadership. Her return provides a valuable opportunity for younger players on the roster to learn from one of the best in the business. South Carolina has become a breeding ground for talent, and with Johnson leading the charge, the Gamecocks are in the best possible position to contend for a national title once again.

Raven Johnson’s decision to return for the 2025 season has sent ripples throughout the college basketball landscape. It is a testament to her dedication to the game, her team, and her legacy. With South Carolina already established as one of the most dominant programs in women’s college basketball, Johnson’s return only amplifies the expectations and excitement for what is sure to be a thrilling season.

As the Gamecocks prepare to take on their competition, fans can look forward to seeing one of the brightest young stars in the game continue to grow and lead her team to greater heights. For Raven Johnson, the journey is far from over. The 2025 season holds endless possibilities, and she is poised to leave a lasting mark on the world of college basketball.