Angel Reese and Breanna Stewart give ZaKiyah Johnson a big LSU welcome 

By Sahir Bhojwani

Modified Nov 04, 2024 23:55 GMT

Five-star recruits are not easy to come by, and LSU basketball fans will be thrilled to hear that the highly touted ZaKiyah Johnson has committed to the Tigers. According to 247Sports, the Sacred Heart Academy senior is the No. 12-ranked player in the 2025 class. After the news broke, WNBA players Angel Reese and Breanna Stewart welcomed the rising star on Instagram.

On Sunday, Johnson announced that she would be attending LSU next year at a ceremony in Kentucky and confirmed the news with a post on her Instagram account.

"Baton Rouge I’m all yours 🐅💜" Johnson wrote.

The announcement led to an immediate reaction from former LSU women's basketball star Angel Reese, who now plays with the Chicago Sky. Reese congratulated Johnson and offered another message of support.

"Congrats pretty girl," Reese replied.

"The gworlsssss wit the edges and the lashes always do well in the BOOT! welcomeeee," she added.

Angel Reese comments on Z. Johnson's IG post. Photo Credit: ZaKiyah Johnson's IG account

New York Liberty forward and two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart jumped in on the action with a more succinct message for the high school talent. Stewart, who starred for UConn, simply posted three purple smiling face emojis with devil horns and a grin. Purple is also an LSU color.

Breanna Stewart comments on Z. Johnson's IG post. Photo Credit: ZaKiyah Johnson's IG account

Johnson averaged 18.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game at Sacred Heart last season as she led her school to a third straight state championship. The gifted guard/forward is also the three-time Gatorade Kentucky Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

ZaKiyah Johnson named Angel Reese when discussing her decision to join LSU

Sacred Heart basketball star ZaKiyah Johnson, center, after announcing her commitment to LSU during a ceremony at the Sacred Heart Academy. Photo Credit: Imagn

ZaKiyah Johnson had plenty of interest from top schools around the nation and considered remaining in her home state with Louisville or Kentucky. She eventually opted to go out of state.

On Sunday, Johnson spoke about committing to the Tigers and discussed former LSU national champion Angel Reese when breaking down her decision.

"A lot of people say I give off the Angel Reese vibe," Johnson said. "I like the fashion, but that's what LSU brings out. ... It's just a big stage, and I love the glam and all that. But we are also going to get buckets, too, so I'm excited."

Reese spent the first two years of her collegiate career at Maryland before transferring to LSU. Under the highly rated coach Kim Mulkey, Reese and her teammates went on to win an NCAA championship in 2023.