Imagine facing your biggest fear head-on, knowing it's the only way to truly succeed. That's precisely the challenge LSU basketball star and rap artist Flau'Jae Johnson is embracing in her final collegiate season. This isn't just about basketball; it's about stepping up, even when it feels incredibly uncomfortable.
According to NBC Sports, Johnson, a self-described "controlling" individual who prefers predictability, is willingly entering a season brimming with uncertainty. Why? Because legendary coach Kim Mulkey is pushing her to evolve into the vocal leader the LSU Tigers desperately need. But here's where it gets controversial... Johnson has always shied away from that role.
Mulkey understands that leadership doesn't come naturally to Johnson. At SEC media days, she explained that Johnson has traditionally led through her actions and music, hesitating to directly lead teammates because she craves their approval. For years, Johnson has benefited from sharing locker rooms with dominant personalities like Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow, both now pursuing professional careers. These strong, outspoken leaders naturally took charge, allowing Johnson to focus on her game and burgeoning music career. It's worked wonderfully, allowing her to be authentic and, crucially, likable. And this is the part most people miss... Johnson openly admits she wants to be liked by everyone.
"I love everybody and want them to love me back," Johnson confessed, acknowledging her reluctance to embrace a leadership role that might jeopardize that universal adoration. "I’m not going to lie, I didn’t want that role." Think about that for a moment. How many of us avoid necessary but potentially unpopular actions because we fear disapproval?
This year's LSU team is significantly different. With eight new players, including three transfers like Amiya Joyner from East Carolina and Kailyn Gilbert who transferred from Arizona in 2023, the team dynamic has shifted dramatically. Johnson, alongside fellow seniors Izzy Besselman (a walk-on) and Kailyn Gilbert, is now the most experienced player on the roster and a projected WNBA draft pick. The natural progression, according to Mulkey, dictates that it's her time to shine as a leader.
Thankfully, Johnson quickly recognized the necessity. She realized that without her stepping up, the team risked becoming rudderless. “Being a senior, there are so many new faces,” Johnson stated. “I realized if I don’t do it, we will be a leaderless team, and you can’t win like that.” To her credit, she's already initiated those uncomfortable conversations, actively soliciting feedback from her teammates on how she can best support them. She even admitted to receiving some tough-to-hear truths, prompting her to actively work on self-improvement and accountability.
This willingness to confront discomfort is a testament to Johnson's growth. As Mulkey succinctly put it, "You are that older player. You’re the senior. You’ve been here. You know the ropes. So go lead your basketball team."
But here's the question: Is it truly possible to be an effective leader while prioritizing being liked? Can Johnson successfully navigate the complexities of leadership without compromising her authentic self? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree with coach Mulkey's assessment, or do you believe there are other ways for Flau'Jae to lead without sacrificing her desire for universal approval?
