Flau'jae Johnson cryptically reacts as LSU teammate Mikaylah Williams’ sophomore performances gain recognition online

LSU Tigers guards Flau'jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams share a close-knit bond both on and off the court. Johnson has been with LSU since 2022 and won an NCAA Championship on April 2, 2023. Williams joined LSU in 2023 and was named the SEC Freshman of the Year, just as Johnson was a year prior.

On Monday, Johnson posted a cryptic message in response to an Instagram post about the 'best sophomore,' which included Williams. In what seems to be an inside joke, the junior uploaded the post on her story, alongside the caption:

"😂😂"

Flau'jae Johnson's Instagram story

Mikaylah Williams is averaging 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists for LSU this season. Meanwhile, Flau'jae Johnson has recorded 21.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists, creating a formidable LSU roster.

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Flau'jae Johnson and LSU Tigers face potential challenges ahead

The No. 5-ranked LSU (13-0) secured a commanding 85-57 win over in-state rival Louisiana (4-5) on Sunday at home. Despite the dominant performance, the game exposed areas of concern that need urgent attention.

The Tigers showcased their star power, with Aneesah Morrow notching her 10th double-double of the season, recording 15 points and 14 rebounds. Jersey Wolfenbarger also shone in her first start for LSU, as the transfer forward recorded a career-high 18 points and 15 rebounds. Her impressive performance accounted for 12 of the Tigers’ first 22 points.

Other notable performances included Mikaylah Williams, who scored 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting, and Flau'jae Johnson, who added 11 points. Kailyn Gilbert delivered 14 points off the bench, including four free throws.

While the team’s talent was on full display, the coaching staff wasn’t entirely satisfied. Postgame, assistant coach Bob Starkey, filling in for coach Kim Mulkey, highlighted inconsistencies in execution and a lack of cohesion:

“There’s a void in leadership on the court. ... We have certain players that want to lead at certain times and that’s another area we are not consistent. ... Consistency and mental toughness. You can't have lulls. You've got to be able to take care of the basketball for 40 minutes, you can't have defensive breakdowns. You have to get quality shots.

"The other thing we're not doing well is reversing the basketball, making them guard us. We're taking quick shots, we're trying to hurry up and win the game. We've got a lot of things to clean up in a short amount of time if we want to have the type of SEC season that we're capable of having."

Turnovers were a glaring issue, with the Tigers committing 80% of their turnovers in the first half alone, allowing the Ragin’ Cajuns brief moments of opportunity. LSU’s coaching staff is keen to address these issues in the three remaining non-conference games before SEC play begins.

As the countdown to conference play continues, LSU’s ability to overcome these hurdles will determine whether this powerhouse team can live up to its expectations as one of the nation’s elite programs.