“I’m not like Paige Bueckers”: Flau'jae Johnson explains why she will not attend the WNBA Finals
Flau'jae Johnson will not be attending the ongoing WNBA finals between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx. While the showdown for women's basketball's top prize has already drawn several celebrities like Spike Lee in Game 1, the LSU Tigers star will not be among those in attendance during the best-of-five series.
On the latest episode of her podcast Best of Both Worlds, Flau'jae took a subtle dig at her contemporary, UConn Huskies star Paige Bueckers, while sharing how her academics and music will keep her busy during the WNBA finals.
"See, I'm not like Paige Bueckers," said Johnson. "I can't be in and out like that, you know what I'm saying. I got to be at school, I got to be at class, I'm already doing music. So, I got to be staying on this ground. Coach Mulkey, she be looking at me crazy, so I got to be stay locked in.
"I think Paige got a jet, I am not going to lie. Paige is going to be at one of those games, I'll tell you that. Connecticut is like, close to New York, so I know she going to catch one of those games."
Flau'jae Johnson and Paige Bueckers enjoyed thrilling offseasons
Flau'jae Johnson and Paige Bueckers have enjoyed some memorable, albeit different experiences during the ongoing offseason.
Flau'jae Johnson emerged as an upcoming rapper, earning immense success through her music. The music video for her song, 'Came Out a Beast' featuring Lil' Wayne, has already crossed over 2 million views on YouTube. She also performed the song at the Overtime Select championship last month, earning rave reviews from people across the nation.
Johnson also signed an NIL deal with JBL Audio in August and was named the BET Amplified Artist of the Month for October.
Meanwhile, Bueckers made her debut at the New York Fashion Week last month, and also went to Flushing Meadows to cheer home hero Frances Tiafoe on during this year's US Open. She also signed NIL deals with CeraVe Skincare, StockX, Unrivaled and Madison Reed.
They certainly haven't forgotten to prepare for the upcoming college basketball season. Besides practice, the duo also coached their respective teams in a 5v5 game for the Overtime Next Up Event on August 16. Bueckers' team came out on top with a 26-20 win.
While Johnson and Bueckers are tied at the top of the list in women's college basketball NIL valuation, they will resume battle on the court in the 2024-25 season. This will be Bueckers' last chance to win the coveted national championship, while Johnson will hope to add another one to her trophy cabinet after winning as a freshman with the Tigers in 2023.