The Indiana Fever kept their first-round pick this year, and with the 10th pick in the WNBA draft, the team selected South Carolina point guard Raven Johnson. This move, however, drew flak from some fans who questioned the Fever’s handling of guards, as well as the fit with their primary court general Caitlin Clark.
In a media availability shortly after the Fever drafted Johnson, head coach Stephanie White explained why the 5-foot-9 senior makes a great addition to her squad in Indiana.
“First and foremost, she’s a winner. She’s won at every level, and she’s set the tone at every level. She’s immediately ready on the defensive end of the floor, which is something that we need. We need somebody who can come in and make an impact on that end of the floor.”
Stephanie White, who is in her second stint as Fever head coach, praised Raven Johnson’s skill set as a leader on the floor, as well as her maturity.
“She’s been a true point guard, playing for the greatest point guard that’s played the game [Dawn Staley]…And she’s experienced in big-time moments.”
A two-time national champion with the Gamecocks, Johnson averaged 9.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.5 steals in her final season with South Carolina. Though fans have their misgivings as it pertains to Johnson’s impact on Caitlin Clark (specifically, with CC perhaps being moved off the ball), there’s no denying that the Fever’s latest acquisition has a lot to bring to the table.
Fever GM Says That Dawn Staley’s Influence Gives Raven Johnson an Edge Over Other Prospects
Another key Fever personality who cited the coaching greatness of Staley was COO/GM Amber Cox. According to Cox, the winning habits that Raven Johnson picked up from her college coach were a key consideration.
“A point guard playing for a coach like Dawn Staley, who was one of the greatest point guards in our game, you’re gonna learn a lot and she’s been a sponge. So, I think coming in here, she’s got a leg up.”
When the Fever’s 2026 campaign tips off next month, the on-court smarts of Johnson will certainly be a must-watch for the loyal fans in Indianapolis.