Flau'jae Johnson Navigates Rookie Transition with Seattle Storm
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The former LSU standout is adapting to the professional game through a disciplined approach to film and a focus on mental resilience.
After being selected No. 8 overall by the Golden State Valkyries in April and subsequently traded to the Seattle Storm, rookie Flau'jae Johnson is adapting to the rigors of the WNBA, as CBS Sports first reported. Despite the Storm currently holding a 6-27 record, Johnson has remained a top-five rookie in CBS Sports rankings, averaging 13.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
Johnson's transition involves a significant shift in expectations. Having recorded only 20 losses in 141 games during her tenure at LSU, she has already surpassed that loss total as a professional. Johnson told CBS Sports she maintains a "0-0 mentality," viewing every game as an opportunity to improve regardless of the result.
Her professionalization is supported by a continued relationship with her collegiate mentors. Johnson revealed that LSU head coach Kim Mulkey and the coaching staff provide regular pointers, and associate head coach Bob Starkey continues to provide expertise via a film study outline that Johnson journals after every game.
On the court, Johnson is focusing on reading the game and slowing down the pace. This progress has earned her recognition from league veterans. Following a game against the Las Vegas Aces, four-time MVP A'ja Wilson encouraged Johnson to "keep doing your thing," a moment Johnson described as meaningful. Additionally, Johnson recently recorded a career-high 28 points in a June 25 victory over the New York Liberty, a game where she also sought an autograph from Liberty star Breanna Stewart.