Richard Jefferson: “I hate the transfer portal”: $1.5 million NIL-valued Flau’jae Johnson agrees with Richard Jefferson on what “kids are missing”

Flau'jae Johnson and Richard Jefferson opened up about their feelings on the transfer portal. The two basketball stars discussed the topic on Johnson’s podcast, "Best of Both Worlds."

Former NBA champion Jefferson, who spent his entire college career at Arizona, reflected on what today’s players might be missing in the transfer portal era.

"The thing I wish kids had now — and it's not money — that I'm glad I had back then, I wish kids now could stay in one place and develop and still feel like they could be successful," Jefferson said.

Johnson agreed with Jefferson’s take. The guard, who has an NIL valuation of $1.5 million according to On3, has played the past three seasons at LSU. She chose to forgo the 2025 WNBA draft to return to school for her senior season.

"I hate the transfer portal," Johnson said. "I love it, but I hate it at the same time, because there's no developing."

NCAA Women's Basketball: NCAA Tournament Spokane Regional Practice - Source: Imagn

The Tigers star went on to reflect on how staying at LSU has helped her grow both on and off the court.

"If I would have went through certain things my freshman and my sophomore year, you know what I'm saying?," Johnson asked. "It [doesn't] have anything to do with basketball. It's just certain things that you learn during college that a lot of kids don't get."

NCAA Women's Basketball: NCAA Tournament Spokane Regional-UCLA Bruins vs LSU Lady Tigers - Source: Imagn

How Flau'jae Johnson has developed at LSU

Johnson's loyalty to LSU is clear, and her game has benefitted as a result. The guard has served as a three-year starter for the Tigers and is coming off the best season of her college career.

As a junior, Johnson averaged 18.6 points per game — second-best on the team — up from 14.9 ppg the year before. She also showcased her defensive presence with 1.7 steals and 0.9 blocks per game, both ranking second on the team.

This past season, she posted career highs in points, assists and shooting efficiency from both 3-point range and the free-throw line, helping guide the Tigers on a March Madness run to the Elite Eight. She’s known for her efficient scoring and two-way abilities as a versatile guard.

In the age of the transfer portal, Johnson will be a rare player who spends her entire college career at one school. She’ll look to continue leading LSU in her senior season.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro