Photo: LSU coach Kim Mulkey shares a birthday post for 5-star LSU commit ZaKiyah Johnson

Modified Nov 24, 2024 20:30 GMT

ZaKiyah Johnson, a top recruit in the Class of 2025, turned 18 on Sunday, Nov. 24. The five-star shooting guard committed to Kim Mulkey's LSU on Nov. 3.

Mulkey took to Instagram to send her warm wishes to the teenager. She shared LSU's birthday post for Johnson via her Instagram story on Sunday.

Other basketball stars also sent their wishes to Johnson via their social media handles. LSU commit Grace Knox posted a picture with the birthday girl.

"Happy cake day Z!! @Zakiyahmonae_," Knox wrote.

Gary Redus, LSU Women’s Basketball assistant coach, also wished Johnson through a wholesome Instagram story. He posted Johnson's picture with the text:

"Happy birthday @Zakiyahmonae_"

Redus was joined by Daphne Mitchell, another LSU Women’s Basketball assistant coach in wishing the birthday girl. She shared a screenshot of her face-timing ZaKiyah Johnson.

"Happy birthday Z!!!!! @Zakiyahmonae_," the text read.

ZaKiyah acknowledged the love and warm wishes she got by posting an Instagram story on her birthday.

"Thank you all for the bday wishes 🥰," Zakiyah added a text over her picture.

The number of wishes shows the popularity Johnson has gained at a very young age. Now, it's up to her to live up to the expectations from her.

ZaKiyah Johnson's commitment to Kim Mulkey's LSU

Johnson received more than 10 offers from institutions across the nation. She narrowed the list down to Louisville, LSU and Kentucky.

The 3x Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year chose Kim Mulkey's LSU over Kentucky and Louisville. She made an official visit to all three schools before making her decision.

ZaKiyah Johnson announced her commitment with an Instagram post. She also shared a series of pictures from her photoshoot at LSU.

"Baton Rouge I’m all yours," she captioned the post.

Johnson has been an exceptional basketball player. She charted 17.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 steals and one block per game in her first season at the Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville, Kentucky). She played a crucial role in her side clinching the second consecutive KHSAA State Championship.

Next season, she stepped up her game and had 22.5ppg and 8.8 rpg, leading the Sacred Heart Academy to another State Championship.

The golden run is yet to stop, as Johnson led the program to their fourth straight state championship last year. LSU fans might have started celebrating already, considering the incredible performance Johnson has put at the high school level.