The Indiana Fever shocked fans on Monday when they drafted former South Carolina guard Raven Johnson to team up with superstar Caitlin Clark. Johnson and Clark had a viral moment in the 2023 Final Four, raising concerns about their dynamics.
WNBA legend Candace Parker, on the “Post Moves” podcast with Fever All-Star center Aliyah Boston, remarked on Tuesday:
“I can’t wait to hear about that first practice where it’s gonna be a little awkward.”
During one play in the 2023 Final Four between Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes and the South Carolina Gamecocks, Clark refused to even guard Raven Johnson. Clark stood about seven feet away from Johnson and dared the Gamecocks’ point guard to shoot. The wide-open Johnson wouldn’t even attempt a shot, opting instead to pass the ball.
Johnson shared in an interview with “I Am Athlete” early this month that she was “bashed” and “bullied” and “got called all sorts of things” due to that viral moment. She added that she nearly quit basketball after going through that experience.
The Gamecocks lost 77-73 to Caitlin Clark and Co., ending their unbeaten run. Johnson and her teammates got their revenge in 2024 after beating Iowa 85-75 for the NCAA championship. Johnson, Clark’s primary defender, limited the superstar guard to seven points on 3-for-11 shooting and forced Clark to four turnovers.
The Indiana Fever don’t see any issues coming from that viral moment. They are excited to see Johnson play alongside the franchise superstar or come off the bench as her backup.
Raven Johnson Expresses Excitement To Play With Caitlin Clark and Former South Carolina Stars
In the post-draft interview with “Overtime,” Johnson responded when asked who she was most excited to play with:
“Caitlin Clark. … She’s a phenomenal player. The things she does is par standard. She shoots the ball, could lead a team, and they win.”
Johnson added that Clark’s teammates, Aliyah Boston and Tyasha Harris, former South Carolina stars, are likely taking her under their wings.
The 2024 NCAA champ seems to have gotten over her traumatic experience against Clark. She’s already embracing Indiana and the Fever.
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