“Greatest shape she’s ever been in her life”: Kim Mulkey has nothing but praise for her LSU star Flau’jae Johnson
LSU Tigers coach Kim Mulkey lauded superstar guard Flau'jae Johnson for being at the peak of her physical condition as Johnson began her third year with the team on Monday. The comment came after the seventh-ranked LSU Tigers blasted the visiting Eastern Kentucky Colonels 95-44 to jumpstart the 2024-2025 campaign.
Johnson ended up with 25 points, five rebounds and two steals in 34 minutes. She produced 12 of the 18 points for the Tigers halfway through the first quarter.
"I think it's very obvious," Mulkey said. "Flau'jae is playing effortlessly. And why is that? She's in the greatest shape she's ever been in her life, and I think it's coming very easy for her."
The Tigers edged out the Colonels in dominant fashion, providing more rebounds (49 to 31), assists (13 to 9) and blocks (five to zero). The Tigers also held the Colonels to 26.1% shooting and forced 21 turnovers while committing just 12 fouls.
Flau'jae Johnson is taking leap in her junior season
With the departure of star forward Angel Reese, who now laces up for the WNBA's Chicago Sky, and dynamic guard Hailey Van Lith, who now plays for the TCU Horned Frogs, Flau'jae Johnson is expected to take the scoring reins and lead LSU.
It might have just been one game into the season, but Johnson is looking to surpass her marks from last season. Johnson averaged 14.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.1 steals while 50.4% shooting in 32.4 minutes per game as the Tigers reached the Elite Eight and she was named to the All-Southeastern Conference second team.
Johnson is primed to take the role as leader and primary scorer for the Tigers, who also welcome the return of sophomore Mikaylah Williams, who sat out the preseason games with an ankle sprain, and junior forward Sa'Myah Smith, who is back after sitting out the 2023-2024 campaign with an ACL tear.
"We got a lot of competitors," Johnson said after the game. "We got a lot of people who want to figure it out. It's not easy to play in Coach Mulkey's system. If you play hard, you'll be rewarded. So, you know, just about getting everybody on the same speed, that same space, and we'll be good."
Up next for the Tigers are matchups with Northwestern State (Friday), Charleston Southern (Nov. 12), Murray State (Nov. 15), Troy (Nov. 18) and Tulane (Nov. 20).