In a groundbreaking moment for women’s basketball, LSU star Flau’jae Johnson has officially been declared the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in women’s basketball history, surpassing the fierce competition of South Carolina’s electrifying guard MiLaysia Fulwiley and rising WNBA sensation Rickea Jackson. The declaration was made in an unprecedented move by a joint panel of NBA and WNBA analysts, sports historians, and fan voting representatives, citing Johnson’s dominant on-court achievements, off-court influence, and cultural impact on the sport.
A Legend Cemented
Flau’jae Johnson, a native of Savannah, Georgia, has been a force in women’s basketball since her arrival at LSU. Known not just for her scoring ability and defensive intensity, Johnson became the face of the NCAA during her collegiate career. Her accolades include multiple All-American selections, a National Championship title in 2023, and the SEC Player of the Year award in 2024 and 2025. She concluded her college career as LSU’s all-time leading scorer and the first player in program history to record 2,500 points, 800 rebounds, 600 assists, and 300 steals.
But numbers alone don’t tell Johnson’s full story. Her leadership, charisma, and crossover stardom elevated women’s basketball to new heights. Balancing a successful music career with her athletic pursuits, Johnson drew national attention that brought millions of new eyes to the sport. Her dual talent made her a household name and an icon for young girls across the globe.
“Flau’jae changed the game,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “What she accomplished on the court is only part of the reason why she deserves the GOAT title. Her ability to inspire, engage, and connect with fans is something we’ve never seen at this level in women’s basketball.”
The Competition: Fulwiley and Jackson
While Johnson’s dominance was undeniable, the competition was fierce. South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley captured the imagination of fans with her highlight-reel handles, jaw-dropping passes, and fearless finishes at the rim. Often compared to NBA stars like Kyrie Irving for her creativity and court vision, Fulwiley’s 2024-25 season included a Final Four run, averaging 20.1 points and 7.2 assists per game.
“MiLaysia is generational,” said Dawn Staley, South Carolina’s head coach. “She plays with a flair and confidence you can’t teach. She’s going to carry this sport forward for a long time.”
Meanwhile, Rickea Jackson—who made waves with Tennessee before taking the WNBA by storm with the Los Angeles Sparks—has quickly become a dominant force at the professional level. Her rookie season saw her average 22.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, earning her the WNBA Rookie of the Year and All-Star honors. Her blend of strength, finesse, and scoring versatility makes her one of the toughest matchups in the league.
Despite the remarkable achievements of both Fulwiley and Jackson, Johnson’s complete resume gave her the edge. Her impact transcended statistics and trophies, influencing fashion, music, and pop culture while helping to propel women’s basketball into the mainstream sports conversation.
Cultural Impact and Enduring Legacy
Johnson’s declaration as the GOAT also reflects a shift in how greatness is evaluated in today’s sports world. It’s no longer just about wins and losses, but about legacy, social impact, and long-term influence. Johnson became a model for modern student-athletes, leveraging NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities to build a brand while staying authentic to herself.
Her viral halftime freestyle in 2023, brand partnerships with major apparel and tech companies, and charitable work in underserved communities have made her a global ambassador for women’s basketball. This multi-dimensional influence helped solidify her place at the top.
“She’s the perfect example of the modern athlete—competitive, creative, conscious,” said former WNBA legend Sue Bird. “Flau’jae didn’t just play the game; she transformed it.”
