In a declaration that is set to ignite passionate debate across the women’s basketball universe, LSU icon Flau’jae Johnson has reportedly been officially proclaimed the greatest player in women’s basketball history. This stunning assertion places her above current WNBA sensations and collegiate phenoms, including South Carolina’s dazzling MiLaysia Fulwiley and former Tennessee standout Rickea Jackson, fundamentally reshaping the long-held notions of who reigns supreme on the hardwood.
This claim, audacious as it may sound to many, speaks volumes about Flau’jae Johnson’s truly unique trajectory and the profound impact she has had, not just on the court but culturally. While traditional “greatest of all time” (G.O.A.T.) conversations in women’s basketball typically revolve around legends like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Cheryl Miller, or more recently, Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson, the elevation of a collegiate player – even one as impactful as Johnson – to such a pinnacle suggests a radical re-evaluation of what constitutes greatness.
Flau’jae Johnson, a prominent guard for the LSU Tigers, has indeed enjoyed a collegiate career filled with remarkable achievements. She was an integral part of the LSU team that captured the NCAA National Championship in 2023, a seismic moment for the program. Her on-court statistics reflect her versatility and impact: throughout her collegiate career at LSU (2022-present), she has consistently delivered strong numbers in points, rebounds, assists, and steals, showcasing her all-around game. She’s been recognized with significant accolades, including SEC Freshman of the Year in 2023, Second Team All-SEC in 2024, and First Team All-SEC and Third-team All-American honors in 2025. Her offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity have made her a cornerstone of Kim Mulkey’s championship-contending LSU squads.
However, the “greatest player” proclamation for Johnson likely stems from a broader understanding of her influence, one that extends beyond conventional basketball metrics. Flau’jae Johnson is not just an elite basketball player; she is a burgeoning music artist with a significant following, having signed a distribution deal under Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Her dual career paths have garnered immense media attention, pulling in audiences from both sports and entertainment worlds. This crossover appeal has undeniably brought new eyes to women’s basketball, contributing to its skyrocketing popularity. Her compelling personal story, including her late father’s legacy as a rapper, adds another layer to her public persona.
The “greatest player” claim, therefore, might be emphasizing her total impact – her ability to transcend the sport, attract new fans, and command attention on multiple global stages. In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are paramount, Johnson has expertly leveraged her dual talents to become one of the most marketable athletes in collegiate sports. This blend of athletic prowess, cultural influence, and entrepreneurial spirit could be what this bold proclamation champions as “greatest.”
To assert that Johnson “officially” surpasses WNBA sensations like MiLaysia Fulwiley and Rickea Jackson, however, is where the significant controversy and debate would intensely flare.
MiLaysia Fulwiley, while a collegiate standout who recently transferred from South Carolina to LSU (in 2025), is still in the early stages of her college career. She’s undeniably gifted, known for her electrifying offensive game, dazzling handles, and ability to create highlight-reel plays. She was an SEC All-Freshman Team member and SEC Tournament MVP in 2024 with South Carolina and has already signed a significant NIL deal with Curry Brand. However, directly comparing her, or even a WNBA rookie, to an all-time G.O.A.T. would be premature in the eyes of many.
Rickea Jackson, a former Tennessee Lady Vol and now a rising star in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks, has already proven herself at the professional level. Drafted 4th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson quickly established herself as a potent scorer and versatile forward. Her WNBA All-Rookie Team selection in 2024, coupled with her consistent scoring outbursts (including a 30-point game recently in June 2025), demonstrates her immediate impact. Jackson’s collegiate career was also exceptional, marked by multiple First-Team All-SEC selections. To say Johnson “surpasses” a player already thriving in the WNBA is a particularly strong statement that would be met with scrutiny from professional basketball analysts and fans.
The traditional metrics for “greatest player” often emphasize longevity, WNBA championships, Olympic medals, MVP awards, and statistical dominance over extended periods at the highest professional level. Flau’jae Johnson, while immensely talented and impactful, is still building her collegiate resume and has yet to play a minute in the WNBA. Her future is undeniably bright, and her potential is through the roof. However, declaring her “greatest” now, over players who have already achieved professional milestones or multi-year collegiate dominance, would be a highly provocative and perhaps premature judgment based on traditional criteria.
This proclamation, if truly made, would likely signify a shift in how “greatness” is being defined. It leans into the idea of a player as a complete package: athletic ability, marketability, cultural resonance, and impact on the sport’s overall popularity. In this new era of celebrity athlete, where social media reach and crossover appeal hold immense value, Flau’jae Johnson is indeed a trailblazer. She embodies the modern multi-hyphenate athlete, and her success outside of basketball undeniably amplifies her platform within it.
However, the debate would rage on. Purists would argue that basketball greatness must be primarily defined by on-court achievements against the highest level of competition over a sustained period. They would point to the sustained excellence of WNBA legends and question how a collegiate player, no matter how influential, could already be declared the “greatest.” Others might argue that the very act of bringing new fans and attention to the sport, as Johnson has, is a form of “greatness” that transcends traditional stat lines.
Regardless of where one stands on this bold claim, one thing is certain: the conversation surrounding Flau’jae Johnson has reached a fever pitch. She is an undeniable force in women’s basketball, an LSU icon whose star power continues to ascend. This “official proclamation” – whether a literal statement from an organization or a growing sentiment among a segment of fans – ensures that her name will be at the forefront of discussions about the sport’s present and future, forever challenging conventional notions of what it means to be the greatest.
