Kia Brooks, the mother of Flau'jae Johnson, chose LA Sparks as her preferred WNBA home for her daughter. She reasoned that Johnson had roots in the city and this would help realize her dreams in basketball, music and entrepreneurship.
In episode 11 of Best of Both Worlds with Falu'Jae, the LSU Tigers guard asked her mother which team she should choose in the WNBA. Brooks started with a bit of a family history lesson:
"I've always loved LA, you got to think about it, I was a Georgia girl and I had you and your brother take professional pictures. He had a basketball outfit LA, and you had the cheerleader outfit. I don't know why I want you in LA, but I just feel like you can live out all your dreams in LA. Music, WNBA, entrepreneurship, family.
Brooks shared that her second choice was Atlanta Dream. Johnson nodded her head as she seemed to agree with almost everything her mom said.
Johnson, who overtook Angel Reese as the top scorer during the NCAA tournament this year, has spent two seasons with the LSU Tigers. Last season, she averaged 14.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. She shot 50.4% from the field.
The departure of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese from college basketball has brought greater attention to Johnson. Her endeavors in music and business have added to her popularity.
She is the top earner in college basketball. With a $1.3 million NIL valuation (On3), Flau'jae Johnson earns more than JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers.
The LSU star has 1.9 million followers on Instagram and 175,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Her song 'Big 4' got 1.4 million views on YouTube.
Why Kia Brooks is the guiding light for Flau'jae Johnson
Rap is in the genes of Flau'jae Johnson. Her father was a rapper. Sadly, he was shot dead near Pure Pain recording studio. Following this tragedy, Kia Brooks raised her children all by herself.
The exploits of Johnson in basketball, music and entrepreneurship have some explanation in the hardworking nature of her mother. In an interview with Joy Taylor, the LSU star shared:
"I think I got my whole work ethic from my mom, just seeing her work so hard to raise me and my brother by herself. I just see how much she work, how much she hustling. I think I just admired that."
Brooks runs TFNA Entertainment & Sports Company. A loving mom with a deep interest in entrepreneurship, she has a perfect name for herself: momprenuer.
Which team should Flau'jae Johnson choose in the WNBA? Let us know in the comments section below.
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