LSU star Flau'jae Johnson reveals ideal scenario for her to leave college basketball early

The upcoming college season will be Flau’jae Johnson's third year with the LSU Tigers. In a recent episode of her 'Best of Both Worlds' podcast, Johnson revealed the one condition under which she will leave college before her graduation in 2026.

When asked if she would declare for the WNBA draft early, the guard said:

"I would consider leaving college early to the pros. Like, say this year I had a amazing year, and they was like, 'Flau, you going No. 1', I'm out."

Johnson then turned to ask her mother, Kia Brooks, who was also present for the podcast, if she would like for her to stay. Brooks replied:

"Yes, I love it. I love it for you. I love the process. I don't want you to miss anything. The WNBA is looking like a little rough. I want you to go ahead and get your weight up. I feel like you're good, but those are women out there. And I want you to be all the way, a full-fledged woman before you go out there."

"You could go into the WNBA and do your thing. No lie. But I feel like it's still parts of, you know, mentally, I feel like you can get stronger. These women are out here trying to protect their families and how they pay their bills. So, I just want it to be peaceful for you," Brooks added.

In her sophomore season with the Tigers, Johnson averaged 14.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game. The upcoming season is expected to be a tricky one for the guard and her teammates who will be without Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith.

Flau’jae Johnson plans to have just a short WNBA career

Apart from basketball, Flau’jae Johnson is now a full-fledged music artist after the release of her debut EP, Best of Both Worlds. With this, her options for interests outside of playing have grown and this seems like an intentional move from the guard.

In an April interview with USA Today, Johnson admitted:

"Oh, I am not going to be in my 30s still playing in the league. No, I’ve been playing since I was 3. I’m gonna get a couple years in the league (WNBA), hopefully buy a team and then go sit on an island in Cancun."

In 2022, Flau’jae Johnson signed with Jay Z's Roc Nation. She revealed more in a recent interview with football quarterback, Cam Newton, for his Same Time Funky podcast.

"The ball ain't going to bounce forever," Johnson said. "Like the ball going to go flat one day. And so you always want to have different ways to pivot. So maybe the music might outlast the basketball."

What do you think of Flau’jae Johnson's reasons for leaving college early? Do you agree or disagree with her mother? Let us know in the comment section below.