“If I don't win, it’s gonna be a failure”:  Flau’jae Johnson sets bold championship ambition for her 2024 junior season

Flau’jae Johnson is all pumped for the 2024-25 college season. Following the exit of Angel Reese to the WNBA, the junior guard is expected to step into a leading role and help the Tigers aim for a potential repeat of their 2023 NCAA championship win.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, posted to Instagram on Monday, Johnson shared her goals for the upcoming season.

"I really wanna win the national championship," she said. "I felt it before but I wanna lead my team to win. Like I feel like if I don't win another championship, it's gonna be a failure for me. I like to just shoot for the moon and work really hard and try to see where I land."

As one of the team's leaders, Johnson plays a crucial role in boosting morale and setting the tone for each game. In a campaign for Puma, the guard commented on her influence within the team.

"My team feeds off my energy," Flau’jae Johnson said. "I just got a high motor. It's about your creativity when it's raw. It's about not doing the same thing twice. Something that benefits everybody together."

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Flau’jae Johnson and the LSU Tigers start the season on a victorious note

On Monday, the LSU Tigers dominated Eastern Kentucky with a 95-44 victory. Flau’jae Johnson led the charge with 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. She also contributed five rebounds, two assists and a steal.

The win marks a strong start for the Tigers. Johnson will be assisted by Aneesah Morrow, who is playing her final season with LSU.

Following the Tigers' 114-53 exhibition win over Xavier, LSU coach Kim Mulkey expressed her excitement about Johnson and Morrow's leadership in the upcoming season. In a post-game press conference, Mulkey said:

“[Flau’Jae] was phenomenal and I think what you’re seeing from her is comfort. She’s a leader and it’s because she has all the experience and puts in the work. She and Morrow were the most comfortable out there tonight. I’m not surprised either one of them had double-doubles.”

Next, the LSU Tigers will face the Northwestern State Lady Demons on Friday, Nov. 8, at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The game will be streamed live on SECN+.