Flau’jae Johnson. A dynamic guard for the LSU Tigers has built a reputation as a relentless competitor with a story rooted in years of hard work. Paired with her $1.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuation, she stands out as both a star on the court and a powerhouse off it.
The Making of a Star: Flau’jae Johnson’s Early Years
A recently resurfaced throwback video on Instagram, showing Johnson training at just 13 years old, has captured fans’ attention on social media, offering fans a raw look at the dedication that fuels her success.
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Johnson was born on November 3, 2003, in Savannah, Georgia, under circumstances that could have derailed most. Her father, Jason Johnson, a rapper known as Camoflauge, was killed before her birth, leaving her mother, Kia Brooks, to raise her alone.
Despite this tragedy, Brooks nurtured Flau’jae’s talents in basketball and music, setting the foundation for an extraordinary career. By elementary school, Johnson was already drawing attention on the court, her quickness and skill hinting at a bright future.
Her high school years at Sprayberry High in Marietta, Georgia, cemented her status as a top-tier talent. Ranked among the nation’s elite recruits. College programs took notice, but Johnson chose LSU, drawn to its winning culture and the chance to shine on a national stage. That decision marked the start of a journey built on sweat, discipline, and a refusal to settle.
At LSU, she wasted no time making an impact. As a freshman in the 2022-2023 season, she played a key role off the bench, helping the Tigers secure their first national championship with averages of 11.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Her sophomore year showed growth, but her junior season in 2023-2024 was a breakout, with stats climbing to 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game on 46.8% field-goal shooting, according to ESPN.
The Throwback Video: A Viral Sensation Reveals Hard Work
The recent viral moment that reignited interest in her journey came via Instagram, captioned, “Flau’jae at 13 years old so don’t let people fool you with the overnight success #nissancar,” a pointed reminder of the years behind her rise. Johnson reposted it to her story, letting the footage speak for itself.
Fans flooded social media with praise, marveling at the focus and athleticism on display. The clip, which racked up thousands of views in days, shatters any notion of Johnson as an overnight sensation.
Instead, it reveals a kid who treated every practice like a proving ground, laying the groundwork for the polished player dominating college hoops today. That authenticity resonates, making the video a powerful testament to her roots.
With her senior year at LSU looming in 2025, Johnson stands at a crossroads packed with potential. On the hardwood, she’s poised to lead the Tigers toward another title run, her skills sharper than ever.
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Opting to return rather than enter the 2024 WNBA Draft signals a calculated move: more time to polish her game and boost her earnings. Scouts already project her as a top pick whenever she turns pro, and her versatility and drive make her a can’t-miss prospect.
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