In a groundbreaking development in women’s basketball, LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson has been officially declared the greatest of all time (GOAT), surpassing South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley and WNBA sensation Rickea Jackson. This unprecedented recognition marks a significant milestone in the sport’s history, highlighting the exceptional talents and contributions of these athletes.
Flau’jae Johnson’s journey to this pinnacle began with her early life in Savannah, Georgia, where she was born on November 3, 2003. Raised in a musically inclined family, Johnson’s father, Jason Johnson, was a rap artist known as Camoflauge, who tragically passed away six months before her birth. Her mother, Lakia Brooks, named her Flau’jae as a tribute to her late father. Before focusing on basketball, Johnson was an accomplished baseball pitcher, making history as the only girl on her team. She later transitioned to basketball, playing for Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Georgia, where she became the school’s all-time leading scorer and earned MVP honors at the Jordan Brand Classic.
At LSU, Johnson quickly made her mark. In her freshman season, she averaged 11 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to LSU’s first national championship. Her performance earned her the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Year award. Off the court, Johnson became one of the highest-earning college basketball players through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, partnering with brands like Puma, Meta, JBL, and Taco Bell. In December 2024, she made history by becoming the second college athlete to sign an NIL deal that included equity in the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league Unrivaled. Her influence extended beyond basketball, as she was featured in ESPN+’s docuseries “Full Court Press,” which followed her, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, and USC’s Kiki Iriafen during the 2024-25 NCAA season.
MiLaysia Fulwiley, a standout from South Carolina, has also left an indelible mark on women’s basketball. Born on April 21, 2005, in Columbia, South Carolina, Fulwiley began playing varsity basketball as a seventh grader and led her high school team to four state titles. Rated a five-star recruit by ESPN, she committed to play for South Carolina, where she was named SEC All-Freshman Team in 2024 and SEC Tournament MVP in 2024. Despite not starting every game, Fulwiley’s exceptional skills, including a remarkable behind-the-back move that caught the attention of Magic Johnson, showcased her potential to elevate the women’s game.
Rickea Jackson’s journey from college basketball to the WNBA has been equally impressive. After a standout career at Mississippi State, where she averaged 15.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game as a freshman, Jackson transferred to Tennessee. In her senior season, she averaged 19.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, earning first-team All-SEC honors. Drafted fourth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson made an immediate impact. In her rookie season, she averaged 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, shooting 45.6% from the field. Her performance earned her a spot on the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team. Off the court, Jackson made history by becoming the first female basketball player to sign a shoe deal with Skechers, highlighting her growing influence in the sport.
The official declaration of Flau’jae Johnson as the GOAT in women’s basketball is a testament to her exceptional talent, dedication, and impact on the sport. While MiLaysia Fulwiley and Rickea Jackson have also made significant contributions, Johnson’s achievements have set a new standard in women’s basketball. Her journey from a promising high school athlete to a national champion and influential figure in sports and media underscores the evolving landscape of women’s athletics. As the sport continues to grow, Johnson’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes to reach new heights.
