By Moses Joshua 
A Pivotal Decision Looms for a Gamecock Star
South Carolina guard Raven Johnson stood at center court on Senior Day, basking in the adoration of the Colonial Life Arena crowd. As a heartfelt video tribute narrated by her mother played on the jumbotron, fans erupted into chants of “One more year! One more year!” urging the talented playmaker to return for another season.
Despite the emotional moment, Johnson remains undecided about her future. With the option to declare for the WNBA Draft or return to the Gamecocks for her final year of eligibility, the next chapter of her career is still up in the air.
Weighing the Options: WNBA or One More Season?
Though Johnson participated in South Carolina’s Senior Day festivities, she is technically a redshirt junior, having missed most of her freshman season due to injury. This gives her the flexibility to return for the 2025-26 season if she chooses.
When asked about her decision, Johnson kept things open-ended. “You never know,” she said. “We’ll have to wait and see.”
Head coach Dawn Staley, while acknowledging how valuable Johnson is to the team, emphasized that the decision is entirely hers.
“For me, it’s a personal choice,” Staley stated. “So I’m not going to push her either way. I’m just going to let her and her family decide what they want to do.”
A Legacy of Winning
Johnson has been an integral part of South Carolina’s recent dominance in women’s college basketball. Over the past two seasons, she has helped lead the Gamecocks to multiple national titles, averaging 6.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in her last 64 appearances.
Staley made it clear that bringing Johnson back would significantly strengthen the team’s chances for another championship run.
“Obviously, Raven makes us a better basketball team,” Staley said. “If she comes back, it increases her chances of winning a lot more basketball games. If she doesn’t, I’m sure the WNBA will welcome her. Probably not as well as we would if she came back. But Raven is going to be a pro whether coming out this year or next year.”
Timing Matters for South Carolina’s Future
Johnson isn’t the only Gamecock facing a tough decision. Sakima Walker, a fifth-year senior, also has the option to return thanks to an NCAA waiver allowing former junior college players an additional year of eligibility.
While Staley is giving both players the space to make their choices, she hopes for a timely resolution to help shape the team’s approach in the transfer portal.
“Hopefully, they’ll make a decision in a timely fashion,” Staley said. “There’s room for both of them to return, but we’re gonna let them decide on their own accord.”
As South Carolina prepares for another championship-caliber season, all eyes remain on Johnson’s next move. Whether she stays or takes her talents to the professional level, her impact on the Gamecocks is undeniable.