The LSU Tigers suffered heartbreak in recent games, pushing them down to the sixth position in the national standings. The 2023 champions will be looking to make a final push with a handful of games remaining in the regular season now. For them, many players like Flau’jae Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley and Mikaylah Williams have been consistent and hold the key to success.
Johnson was already up for the crucial LSU leadership role in her final college season, while MiLaysia Fulwiley and Mikaylah Williams also played vital roles in playmaking and scoring for Kim Mulkey’s side. Among its top performers, both guards received special honors with the latest announcement by the NCAAW.
Flau’jae Johnson And Mikaylah Williams Among Shortlisted Candidates For Naismith Player of the Year
Averaging 13.1 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals for the team, Junior-year player Williams already made a huge mark in the season. Leading from the front, Johnson also takes pride in a 14.1 scoring average in the season, combined with 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
While the duo had been an integral part of the team’s success, they received nominations for the Naismith player of the year accolade and are among the 30 selected players from the year.
The Best of the Best.
— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) February 17, 2026
Introducing our 2026 @jerseymikes Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year Late-Season Team. pic.twitter.com/E1YsUb4xeA
The duo will have strong competition from Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, who are seen as strong contenders for the title with commanding records in the season.
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Interestingly, only seven teams have multiple players on the list, while LSU is one of seven schools to have multiple players nominated for the accolade. Also, the Big Ten leads the conferences with 11 player nominations, and the SEC is close behind with nine.
The next step, fans will have the final 10 candidates by March 13, and finally the top four by March 25. The winner will receive the award before the final four games. While the player made a huge mark in the Basketball world with her performances, she is also an established rapper, who is doing a great job balancing between two different career paths.
Flau’jae Johnson Balancing Act Between Basketball And Rapping
The player athlete is already a famous rapper working with 2Rare and Lil Wayne. Though she is yet to make it on a major chart, she is already a household name with her artistic work and balance between the two highly demanding activities.
“I’m no fool. Basketball is paying the bills right now. I don’t have a No. 1 hit yet.” Johnson said in a recent interview.
As per On3 records, the youngster is earning over $1.5 million in NIL deals, with JBL Audio, Amazon, Raising Cane’s, Puma, and The Athletic