Flau’jae Johnson Lands in Seattle, Honored to Follow Sue Bird’s Path

Flau’jae Johnson Arrives in Seattle with a Bang

The Seattle Storm has a new star, and her name is Flau’jae Johnson. After a standout college career, Johnson was drafted by the Golden State Warriors and immediately traded to the Seattle Storm. She’s a 2023 national champion, a two-time AP All-American, and a three-time All-SEC selection.

Upon arriving in Seattle, she received a warm welcome from fans, chanting “Go Storm! Let’s go!”

Johnson was surprised by the immediate reception. “I was so surprised. It was so amazing,” she said.

She expected a welcome later, not right off the plane. “I was about to drop my bags down and try to talk to everybody,” she explained, but realized she couldn’t do that right away.

A Nod to Seattle Legends

Sporting a vintage Sonics Gary Payton jersey on Good Morning America, Johnson showed her immediate connection to Seattle. She had to rush out to find something with the city’s name on it after the draft.

“The only jersey left, which was crazy. And I was like, ‘This was meant to me,'” she shared about finding the Payton jersey.

The emotions of draft night were a whirlwind for Johnson. She heard her name called, had interviews, and then learned of the trade to Seattle. “My agent is like, ‘They traded you to Seattle.’ And I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to Seattle.

That’s where Sue Bird played at,'” she recalled. It wasn’t a negative feeling, but excitement about playing in the WNBA.

Sue Bird’s Enduring Inspiration

Sue Bird has been a major inspiration for Johnson since high school. Bird and her company even created a documentary about Johnson’s story, focusing on her basketball journey. “It was the first time anybody had ever cared to listen to my story on the basketball side, not the music,” Johnson said.

Johnson looks up to Bird as a player and a person. “She’s a goat.

She’s a legend,” Johnson stated. It feels surreal to now be playing on the same court where Bird made her mark, with Bird’s logo visible.

Family First: A Brother’s Big Moment

Johnson’s younger brother, Aiden, also captured attention on draft night. He seemed to have the best time, and Johnson was thrilled he could witness such an event. “For me, it just warms my heart that he gets to be in these rooms and get to see like wow I can accomplish this,” she said.

Aiden’s compassionate nature shone through when he comforted another player’s crying father. “That’s the kind of heart he has,” Johnson explained. She believes his kindness will take him far in life, admiring his big heart at such a young age.

A Draft Night Look to Remember

Johnson’s draft night outfit was a showstopper, designed to look like she was ready for the Met Gala right after the draft. “I told my stylist I was like, let’s make it look like we have the draft at 6:00 and then the Met Gala at 6:30,” she said.

She wanted to project a mature, elegant, and professional image. “I’m not just a basketball player. I play basketball and I’m great at it, but I’m also a model.

I was on the cover of Vogue. I make music.

I’m a businesswoman. I’m a woman now,” Johnson stated, wanting her look to reflect all these facets of her identity.

A Music Video Debut at the Empire State Building

Before the draft, Johnson filmed a music video at the top of the Empire State Building. She described the experience as “fire” and a great vibe, despite the wind. “So many movies filmed there, but a music video for me, Big Four in New York City right before the draft,” she reflected, seeing it as a full-circle moment.

Congratulations to Flau’jae Johnson on her new single, her new team, and all her recent successes. Fans eagerly await seeing her play for the Seattle Storm.

Source: Flau’jae Johnson on being traded to the Storm 'I was like that's where Sue Bird played!' | SC (YouTube)