Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers were without standout guard during this week’s 2025 SEC Tournament as the All-SEC First-Team player continued to manage a persistent serious injury. Johnson missed the regular season finale last Sunday, and Mulkey offered the latest update on her key contributor after the game.
“Neither the doctor nor the trainer told her she had to sit, but this issue started before the Texas game, and I urged her to take the rest she needed.” Johnson was spotted wearing a walking boot on Sunday afternoon ahead of the Tigers’ Senior Day showdown against the Ole Miss Rebels.
“I sat Flau’Jae,” Mulkey explained following LSU’s loss to Ole Miss.
Mulkey went on to emphasize the broader impact of the injury: “When your shins are hurting, it sends pain all the way through your feet and back. No matter how tough you are or how high your pain tolerance, it ultimately affects your mental performance.” After opting to sit her out of the SEC Tournament as a precaution, Mulkey provided another encouraging update on her starting guard. She confirmed that the team is confident all key players will be available for the NCAA Tournament, and that Johnson is expected to be cleared for Round 1.
ESPN’s broadcast during Saturday’s contest against the Texas Longhorns also shed light on Johnson’s condition. “Flau’Jae is out with shin splints,” noted ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “I saw her walk into the building with a boot on her right leg, and I’ve observed her using ultra red therapy in the sauna to help reduce the inflammation.” Rowe added that despite her absence from the court, Johnson has remained very active on the bench, engaging with her teammates and providing a significant morale boost with her leadership and scoring prowess.
This season, Johnson has already recorded four games with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, making her one of only three LSU players over the past 25 seasons to achieve multiple such performances. Her offensive output has notably increased from 14.9 points per game last season to 18.9 points per game this season, establishing her as LSU’s leading scorer. In addition to her scoring, she is pulling down more rebounds and has notched up four double-doubles so far this year.
In summary, while Flau’Jae Johnson is currently sidelined with shin splints, the coaching staff remains optimistic about her recovery. With the plan to have all key players back for the NCAA Tournament, LSU is looking forward to a strong postseason run once Johnson can return to action.
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