Raven Johnson’s WNBA Stock Rises: South Carolina Star Shines | 2026 Draft

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina guard Raven Johnson is rapidly solidifying her status as a top prospect in the 2026 WNBA Draft, showcasing a well-rounded game that extends far beyond scoring. In a dominant 85-48 victory over Ole Miss on Sunday, securing the SEC regular season title for the fifth consecutive year, Johnson’s impact was palpable, even if her scoring total – six points – didn’t fully reflect her contribution.

The win wasn’t just about securing another SEC crown for the Gamecocks; it was a statement game for Johnson, who is proving that her earlier WNBA stock fluctuations were merely a result of refining her game. After helping South Carolina win the national championship in 2024 and earning praise for her defensive performance against Caitlin Clark in that title game, a dip in personal performance last season prompted her to utilize her extra year of eligibility. That decision appears to be paying dividends.

Johnson is currently averaging 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.7 steals, shooting 48.7% from the field, 35.2% from three-point range, and an impressive 84.1% from the free-throw line. While her scoring numbers aren’t eye-popping, it’s the totality of her game that’s attracting the attention of WNBA scouts.

Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin certainly recognizes Johnson’s value. “I think that Raven Johnson does not get the credit that she should. I think she is the best point guard in the country,” McPhee-McCuin stated after the game, a testament to Johnson’s all-around impact.

Defensive Masterclass Against McMahon

Johnson’s defensive prowess is well-known, and Sunday’s game against Ole Miss provided another compelling example. Tasked with guarding Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss’s leading scorer and another potential first-round WNBA pick, Johnson effectively shut her down. McMahon, who had been averaging 20.7 points per game and recently posted performances of 39 and 25 points, was held to a season-low two points on 0-for-9 shooting.

Despite being undersized at 5-foot-9, Johnson’s 6-foot-2 wingspan allows her to effectively contest shots and disrupt passing lanes. She consistently stayed in front of McMahon, preventing her from establishing any rhythm off the dribble. A key moment came early in the third quarter when Johnson applied full-court pressure, forcing McMahon to relinquish the ball prematurely, leading to a South Carolina steal.

Later in the quarter, Johnson’s relentless pressure forced McMahon to pass the ball away quickly, nearly resulting in another turnover. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley highlighted Johnson’s defensive impact, stating, “I thought our players did a great job, Raven especially. The first line of that defense was so hard, that took her vision down, that occupied her dribble. Raven’s the very best at it.”

Staley further emphasized Johnson’s ability to defend multiple positions, saying, “Unafraid of a challenge, is willing — she knows. Like, she knows she was gonna have to guard Cotie, she knew she was gonna have to guard Mikayla Blakes. She knows she’s gonna have to guard our opponents’ best perimeter [players], and sometimes small, power forwards. We’re unafraid to switch if need be because we know Raven’s gonna give it her best shot at defending and making it difficult for people.”

Evolving Playmaking Abilities

While Johnson’s defense has always been a strength, her playmaking abilities have significantly improved this season. She finished Sunday’s game with seven assists and could have easily had more if her teammates had converted on her passes. Her ability to push the pace in transition is particularly noteworthy, consistently delivering accurate passes that allowed her teammates to finish at the rim or draw fouls.

Johnson also demonstrated her ability to make high-level passes in the half-court, including a backdoor feed and a well-placed pocket pass. Her ball-handling skills and court vision are clearly developing, making her a more dynamic offensive threat.

Johnson’s turnover rate is remarkably low, averaging just 1.6 turnovers per game for her career. She has 42 games without a single turnover, including 26 games where she played over 20 minutes. This demonstrates her poise and decision-making under pressure.

While WNBA teams may seek further offensive development from Johnson, particularly in terms of consistent three-point shooting, her current skillset is highly valuable. Her ability to run an offense efficiently, combined with her elite defensive capabilities, makes her an attractive prospect, especially in a league increasingly focused on spacing and three-point shooting.

Staley summed up Johnson’s impact succinctly: “Raven Johnson is a winner. Like, look it up in the dictionary, look it up on your iPhones, Raven Johnson is a winner. She makes plays. Winning plays… She’s probably the one that I’ll miss the most out of all the players that I’ve coached.”