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Raven Johnson and Caitlin Clark are set to share the court as teammates, years after a tense moment during the 2023 NCAA Final Four drew widespread attention.
Johnson, a former South Carolina Gamecocks guard, was selected tenth overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13. Her arrival means she will now play alongside Clark, who previously starred for the Iowa Hawkeyes and is already a key figure for the Fever.
The two players first crossed paths in a high-profile national semifinal in 2023. During that game, Clark made a notable decision to leave Johnson unguarded on the perimeter, effectively challenging her to take a three-point shot. At the time, Johnson’s shooting percentage from beyond the arc was low, and she chose not to take the shot. The moment quickly gained traction online and became a widely discussed highlight of the tournament.
For Johnson, the aftermath extended beyond the court. She later shared that the attention led to negative experiences on social media, including harsh criticism and personal attacks. Speaking on the _I Am Next_ podcast, she described how the situation affected her confidence and mental well-being. She admitted that it was a difficult period that made her question her place in the sport and led her to withdraw from others.
Johnson reflected that the experience impacted both her mindset and daily life, noting that there were times when she struggled with motivation and isolation. However, she also acknowledged that overcoming that phase contributed to her personal growth and helped shape who she is today.
Now entering the professional level, Johnson is embracing a new chapter. With the Fever, she is expected to come off the bench as a rookie, learning from established players while developing her role within the team. Despite the competitive history, she has expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to grow alongside teammates like Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell.
Johnson indicated that she plans to make the most of the experience by asking questions and absorbing knowledge from her teammates. The transition marks a fresh start, turning a past moment of tension into an opportunity for collaboration and development at the professional level.