The dream became reality on Monday night as LSU's dynamic guard Flau'Jae Johnson heard her name called in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft. Selected with the 8th overall pick by the expansion Golden State Valkyries, Johnson is officially taking her electric game to the professional stage.

This selection caps a phenomenal collegiate career where Johnson established herself as one of the nation's most feared scorers. A four-year starter under coach Kim Mulkey, she leaves Baton Rouge ranked 5th on LSU's all-time scoring list with 2,063 points, having shot an efficient 46.7% from the field.

Johnson's legacy is already cemented in LSU lore, having been a key contributor to the program's first-ever national championship as a freshman. Her game evolved each season, peaking with a junior year average of 18.6 points per game. She saved her most complete season for last, showcasing improved defense and a career-best 39.3% shooting from three-point range in her final campaign.

While some mock drafts projected her in the top five, landing with the Valkyries at No. 8 is a perfect fit. Johnson brings proven championship pedigree, clutch scoring ability, and a rapidly expanding skill set to a new franchise looking to make an immediate splash. The Bay Area is getting a player built for big moments, ready to bring her trademark intensity to the WNBA.