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Pros, cons of Indiana Fever taking South Carolina's Raven Johnson in 2026 WNBA Draft
TL;DR
Raven Johnson was selected by the Indiana Fever with the 10th pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The event took place at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City.
Pros, cons of Indiana Fever taking South Carolina's Raven Johnson in 2026 WNBA Draft
South Carolina women's basketball point guard Raven Johnson was selected by the Indiana Fever with the 10th pick in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13.
The draft is at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. Johnson along with her college teammates Ta'Niya Latson and Madina Okot, who are both trying to get drafted, are there in-person.
Johnson is a 5-foot-9 point guard who finished her career as one of the most decorated players to play under South Carolina coach Dawn Staley.
She lost just nine games in four seasons she played after tearing her ACL her freshman season. She's the only player in program history with four national championship game appearances and leaves with five Final Fours, five SEC regular season championships, two national championships and three SEC Tournament titles.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the TCU Horned Frogs in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket against Sahara Williams #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks takes a shot against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
Mar 23, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Senior South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) gets a hug from head coach Dawn Staley as she leaves her home court for the last time in the second half against the USC Trojans at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) passes against the Southern Jaguars in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates Sunday, March 8, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game against the Texas Longhorns at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) and South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) dives for the ball Sunday, March 8, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) defends Louisiana State Tigers guard Flau'jae Johnson (4) Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinals game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'niya Latson (00) celebrates with South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinals game against the Louisiana State Tigers at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maryam Dauda (30) celebrates with South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) Friday, March 6, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament quarterfinals game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) collides with Mississippi Rebels forward Christeen Iwuala (12) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Raven Johnson 25, LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates a play against the Tennessee Volunteers in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) drives against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 25: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks blocks a shot from Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Jan 15, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'niya Latson (00) and guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrate in the closing moments of their win over the Texas Longhorns in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Jan 15, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) steals the ball from South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 11: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks passes the ball during the first quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Colonial Life Arena on January 11, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Florida guard Emilija Dakic (7) blocks South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) during the second half of an NCAA women’s basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, January 4, 2026. North Carolina won 74-63 [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 14: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates with teammates during a timeout in the fourth quarter of the NCAA women's basketball game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Colonial Life Arena on December 14, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Dec 7, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) passes against the North Carolina Central Eagles in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Dec 4, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) drives to the basket against Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. South Carolina defeated Louisville 79-77. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) cheers her teammates from the bench against the Queens Royals in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley jokes with guard Raven Johnson (25) against the Winthrop Eagles in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) blocks the shot of Clemson Tigers guard Mia Moore (12) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hugs guard Raven Johnson (25) during the second half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts on the bench in the fourth quarter against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) shoots against Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) during the third quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - MARCH 30: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks cuts down the net after defeating the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Legacy Arena at the BJCC on March 30, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) leaps for the ball against the Vanderbilt during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 02: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks guards Taylen Collins #14 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on February 02, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Jan 24, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; LSU Lady Tigers guard Aneesah Morrow (24) has her shot blocked by South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Jan 9, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates a play against the Texas A&M Aggies in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Dec 29, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) passes the ball against the Wofford Terriers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 04: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks is greeted by teammates during player introductions before a game against the Michigan Wolverines during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Series at T-Mobile Arena on November 04, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Gamecocks defeated the Wolverines 68-62. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
South Carolina player Raven Johnson speaks during SEC Media Day at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2024; Albany, NY, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) cuts down the net to celebrate the victory after the game in the finals of the Albany Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2024; Albany, NY, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) shoots a layup against Oregon State Beavers forward Raegan Beers (15) during the second half in the finals of the Albany Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) cuts part of the net after her team beat LSU for the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 10, 2024.
South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) greets South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso (10) during the third quarter of the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Saturday, March 9, 2024.
South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates with teammates after South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso (10) made a game winning shot to beat Tennessee in the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Feb 11, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) drives around UConn Huskies guard KK Arnold (2) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) drives around Ole Miss Rebels guard Kennedy Todd-Williams (3) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates a three point basket against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) high fives a fan after their win over the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 12: South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates making a three-point basket against the Maryland Terrapins as former Gamcocks player and WNBA star A’ja Wilson cheers in the background during their game in Columbia, South Carolina. The No. 4 Gamecocks defeated the No. 11 Terrapins 114-86.
Mar 31, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half in semifinals of the women's Final Four of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) rebounds near Tennessee forward Caroline Striplin (11) during the second quarter of the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 5, 2023.
Feb 12, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; LSU Lady Tigers forward LaDazhia Williams (0) and South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) battle for rebound in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the TCU Horned Frogs in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the TCU Horned Frogs in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket against Sahara Williams #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks takes a shot against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Mar 23, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Senior South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) gets a hug from head coach Dawn Staley as she leaves her home court for the last time in the second half against the USC Trojans at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Mar 21, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) passes against the Southern Jaguars in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates Sunday, March 8, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game against the Texas Longhorns at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) and South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) dives for the ball Sunday, March 8, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) defends Louisiana State Tigers guard Flau'jae Johnson (4) Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinals game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'niya Latson (00) celebrates with South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinals game against the Louisiana State Tigers at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maryam Dauda (30) celebrates with South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) Friday, March 6, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament quarterfinals game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) collides with Mississippi Rebels forward Christeen Iwuala (12) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Raven Johnson 25, LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates a play against the Tennessee Volunteers in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) drives against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 25: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks blocks a shot from Mikayla Blakes #1 of the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Jan 15, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'niya Latson (00) and guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrate in the closing moments of their win over the Texas Longhorns in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Jan 15, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Jordan Lee (7) steals the ball from South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 11: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks passes the ball during the first quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Colonial Life Arena on January 11, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Florida guard Emilija Dakic (7) blocks South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) during the second half of an NCAA women’s basketball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactek arena in Gainesville, FL on Sunday, January 4, 2026. North Carolina won 74-63 [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 14: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates with teammates during a timeout in the fourth quarter of the NCAA women's basketball game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Colonial Life Arena on December 14, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Dec 7, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) passes against the North Carolina Central Eagles in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Dec 4, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) drives to the basket against Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. South Carolina defeated Louisville 79-77. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) cheers her teammates from the bench against the Queens Royals in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Nov 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley jokes with guard Raven Johnson (25) against the Winthrop Eagles in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) blocks the shot of Clemson Tigers guard Mia Moore (12) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley hugs guard Raven Johnson (25) during the second half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts on the bench in the fourth quarter against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Amalie Arena on April 06, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) shoots against Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) during the third quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - MARCH 30: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks cuts down the net after defeating the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Legacy Arena at the BJCC on March 30, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) leaps for the ball against the Vanderbilt during the first quarter at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 02: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks guards Taylen Collins #14 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on February 02, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Jan 24, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; LSU Lady Tigers guard Aneesah Morrow (24) has her shot blocked by South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Jan 9, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates a play against the Texas A&M Aggies in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Dec 29, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) passes the ball against the Wofford Terriers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Dec 8, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Dec 8, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 04: Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks is greeted by teammates during player introductions before a game against the Michigan Wolverines during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Series at T-Mobile Arena on November 04, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Gamecocks defeated the Wolverines 68-62. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
South Carolina player Raven Johnson speaks during SEC Media Day at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Mar 31, 2024; Albany, NY, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) cuts down the net to celebrate the victory after the game in the finals of the Albany Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Mar 31, 2024; Albany, NY, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) shoots a layup against Oregon State Beavers forward Raegan Beers (15) during the second half in the finals of the Albany Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) cuts part of the net after her team beat LSU for the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 10, 2024.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) greets South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso (10) during the third quarter of the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Saturday, March 9, 2024.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates with teammates after South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso (10) made a game winning shot to beat Tennessee in the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Saturday, March 9, 2024.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Feb 11, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) drives around UConn Huskies guard KK Arnold (2) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Feb 4, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) drives around Ole Miss Rebels guard Kennedy Todd-Williams (3) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Jan 28, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates a three point basket against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Nov 24, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) high fives a fan after their win over the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Nov. 12: South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) celebrates making a three-point basket against the Maryland Terrapins as former Gamcocks player and WNBA star A’ja Wilson cheers in the background during their game in Columbia, South Carolina. The No. 4 Gamecocks defeated the No. 11 Terrapins 114-86.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Mar 31, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half in semifinals of the women's Final Four of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
South Carolina guard Raven Johnson (25) rebounds near Tennessee forward Caroline Striplin (11) during the second quarter of the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Sunday, March 5, 2023.
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Raven Johnson, South Carolina women's basketball guard for coach Dawn Staley
Feb 12, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; LSU Lady Tigers forward LaDazhia Williams (0) and South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson (25) battle for rebound in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Raven Johnson stats
Johnson won 94.2% of games in her career with South Carolina, finishing 145-9 in games she played in.
She averaged 4.9 points during the 2024-25 season, but improved that to a career-high 9.9 points per game for her final season. She also averaged a career-high 5.1 assists and shot a career-best 48.6% from the floor and 39.9% from the 3-point line this year. On two-point shots, she shot 52.8%.
Her defensive prowess was never in question but was solidified with the 2026 SEC Defensive Player of the Year award. She was also named an All-American.
Johnson went to Westlake High School in Atlanta, where she won four state titles. She was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2021 recruiting class.
She leaves South Carolina holding the record for assist-to-turnover ratio (2.86), and finished second in games played (153), third in assists (612) and eighth in steals (232).
Raven Johnson's highlights, strengths, weaknesses at South Carolina
There's no denying Johnson's ability to win. She can count on two hands how many times she's lost a college game she's played in. That's rare.
Johnson is a guard's worst nightmare on defense. She's one of the best 1-on-1 defenders (if not the best) in this draft class and has years of experience guarding the best player on the court. In the NCAA Tournament this year, she managed to guard star forwards like Marta Suarez (6-3) and Sarah Strong (6-2), which proved no matter the height, she is a disruptor.
In the WNBA, it's hard to make a roster if you're a defensive liability and Johnson's the furthest thing from that.
On the other end, she is a point general who takes care of the ball, turning it over just 214 times across four full seasons (plus two games as a freshman). This year especially she showed she can play off with another point guard like when Staley put her on the court with Maddy McDaniel so if she plays as a two guard, she can both pass and shoot.
Improving her numbers to averaging 10 points a game for SEC play this year strengthened her WNBA potential and she has the praise of one of the best point guards to play in Staley. WNBA teams know that a South Carolina player comes battle-tested and Johnson is arguably one of the most experienced players when it comes to consistent big game experience.
Even though Johnson transformed her offense this year, she was never a high-volume shooter or scorer in college.
As a point guard she didn't necessarily need to be and in the WNBA that might also be the case, but if she's playing as more of a wing guard rather than running the point, she'll need to display the same level of offensive consistency at the next level that she had her senior year.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Indiana Fever pick South Carolina's Raven Johnson in 2026 WNBA Draft
Q&A
What position does Raven Johnson play in the WNBA?
Raven Johnson plays as a point guard in the WNBA.
When was the 2026 WNBA Draft held?
The 2026 WNBA Draft was held on April 13, 2026.
Which team drafted Raven Johnson in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
Raven Johnson was drafted by the Indiana Fever.
Where did the 2026 WNBA Draft take place?
The 2026 WNBA Draft took place at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City.