When the noise in WNBA arenas might be quieter, college games are keeping the buzz going, with many young stars showcasing their abilities on the floor. Top teams, including UConn, South Carolina, and UCLA, are making a strong push in the league, with their respective players delivering for the side. For Gamecocks, it’s Raven Johnson who is making a strong push with her offensive ‘explosion’.
UCLA poised to shatter the WNBA Draft record with six Bruins projected in 2026 class. However, UConn and South Carolina players are aiming for the higher draft picks, with Johnson being the next name in line for a possible first-round pick.
Raven Johnson Makes a Strong Claim For a Higher WNBA Draft Pick
Dawn Sataley pushes hard for her players’ selection in the WNBA, constantly vouching for the top performers on her team. She even makes adjustments for her players so that they can flourish into elite performers. Recently, Staley urged Ta’Niya Latson to overcome psychological barriers and embrace her WNBA-caliber versatility.
But she didn’t have to do any such adjustments for guard Johnson, who showed massive improvement from the last season. Averaging around eight points in the previous season, the former Utah player already has many double-figure games, putting her average close to 16.
Raven Johnson vs Penn State:
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) December 14, 2025
15 PTS
7 RBS
4 AST (0 TOs)
3 STL
6-8 FG
2-2 FT
🐔✨ pic.twitter.com/c4drYIZ6GP
Shooting 50% from the floor and 38.9% from three, the player already broke her career-high efficiency. With high efficiency, the player is already proving to be an effective scorer on the floor.
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Notably, she earned her coach’s trust by playing tough defense and running the offense well. With Latson out for a few games, the Georgia-born star has a chance to showcase her ability as the floor general and scorer, especially with the WNBA draft board shaping up for the franchises.
Raven Johnson Fitting In Most WNBA Team Rosters
Most of the team goes for veteran guards who have experience playing at the highest level. But Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers changed that narrative, taking up the starting role right after their induction in the league. Although Johnson has a lot to improve on to reach PB or CC’s level, she certainly possesses a blend of attributes that entice the teams to use her as a first substitute.
Raven Johnson's defense vs. Penn State was — yet again — otherworldly.
— Hunter Cruse (@HunterCruse14) December 15, 2025
She's in the Brittney Sykes, Veronica Burton & Jordin Canada class of the best sub-5'10 defensive prospects of the modern era pic.twitter.com/2WwMCJgThg
Apart from her ball-handling abilities, the player is quick on defence and can read the game well. The player also showed hunger to win and prove herself against the top teams in recent matches. If she can maintain a similar intensity during training camp, she could be a rookie with significant playing time, possibly even as a starter.