LSU Tigers’ Flau’Jae Johnson was noticeably absent during the Tigers’ most recent game against the Ole Miss Rebels. Following the game, head coach Kim Mulkey explained her decision to sit out on Johnson despite the medical team giving her a clear.
In a post-game press interview, head coach Mulkey mentioned that ensuring Flau’Jae Johnson’s recovery would benefit the team better in the long run.
“I sat Flau’Jae (in the game against Ole Miss). The doctor didn’t tell her she had to sit. The trainer didn’t tell her she had to sit,” Mulkey said. “This started before the Texas game and I encouraged her to sit then when your shins are hurting you, it’s like your feet in your back when they are hurting you cannot mentally perform.”
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The head coach further explained that their current standing helped her in making the decision to have Flau’Jae Johnson beat the bench in the meantime, After all, they could afford to miss any advantage Johnson would have and keep their standing.
“I just decided after Alabama we’re a three seed no matter if we won another ball game. So why not do it now,” Mulkey added. “The most important thing is to get her healthy before the NCAA Tournament begins.”
What Happened to Flau’Jae Johnson’s Injury?
Flau’Jae Johnson, a star guard for the LSU Tigers, has been dealing with shin inflammation that has affected her performance and availability. The injury first became noticeable during LSU’s game against Texas earlier this month.
Despite the discomfort, Johnson continued to play in subsequent games, including a match against Alabama where she was limited to just six points and made only two of her twelve field-goal attempts.
In Flau’Jae Johnson’s absence against Ole Miss, LSU had to adjust their guard rotation, starting players like Last-Tear Poa and Kailyn Gilbert alongside Mikaylah Williams. The team managed to put up a strong fight, with Williams and Gilbert scoring 25 and 11 points, respectively.
Ultimately, the Tigers lost to the Rebels with a final score of 85-77.
As for Johnson’s recovery, she is expected to miss the SEC Tournament, which would be during the second week of March. This gives her approximately two weeks to rest and recuperate before the NCAA Tournament begins on March 19.
Flau’Jae Johnson has been seen wearing a walking boot on her right foot, indicating that she is taking the necessary steps to ensure a full recovery.
So far this season, Flau’Jae Johnson is averaging 18.9 points per game, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. She shoots from the field with a rate of 46.5%.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through [email protected]. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
