The South Carolina Gamecocks are heading to their sixth consecutive Final Four, and a big part of their success is thanks to the electrifying play of Raven Johnson. As the starting point guard, Johnson is on a mission to redeem last year's championship loss to UConn.
Raven Johnson has faced her share of challenges, from overcoming injuries to standing up against tough competitors like Caitlin Clark from Iowa. Let's dive into what makes Johnson a standout player and her connection to a Super Bowl champ.
Meet Raven Johnson
Raven Johnson has been a key player for Dawn Staley's South Carolina team since the 2021-2022 season. Her debut was cut short by a knee injury, but she bounced back stronger than ever. Over 151 games, Johnson has averaged 6.7 points, 4.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 42.8% from the field and 33.3% from downtown.
Johnson shares a high school alma mater with teammate Ta'Niya Lawson, both hailing from Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia.
Johnson’s Game and Impact
Standing at 5-foot-9, Johnson might be one of the shorter players on the team, but she's a dynamo on the court. Her speed and agility make her a nightmare for defenders, and if she can't score, she's more than capable of setting up her teammates. Johnson stirred up some buzz with her appearance on the "I Am Athlete" podcast, where she boldly claimed that women's basketball showcases more skill than the men's game, sparking lively discussions among fans.
Off the Court: Johnson’s Personal Life
Raven Johnson is dating Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori, a fellow South Carolina alum. Emmanwori was a standout in Super Bowl LX, helping the Seahawks secure a victory over the New England Patriots. Johnson's support for Emmanwori is evident, with even Coach Staley donning his jersey during Super Bowl weekend.
The Caitlin Clark Incident
Back in the 2023 NCAA tournament, Johnson found herself in a viral moment when Iowa's Caitlin Clark waved her off, suggesting she didn't need guarding from long range. Johnson later admitted that the incident was tough to swallow, but she used it as motivation. By 2024, when she faced Clark again, Johnson's defense was pivotal, limiting Clark to just seven points.
Johnson’s College Career Stats
Through her college career, Johnson has shown impressive growth:
- 2021-22: Limited to 2 games due to injury.
- 2022-23: Averaged 4.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
- 2023-24: Increased her output to 8.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.
- 2024-25: Contributed 4.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
- 2025-26: Elevated her game with 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
Raven Johnson's journey is a testament to resilience and talent. As the Gamecocks continue their quest for glory, Johnson remains a player to watch, both for her skill and her story.