INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Fever have selected South Carolina’s Raven Johnson with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Johnson, a 5-9 point guard, averaged 9.9 points, 5.1 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals for the Gamecocks. She was selected SEC Defensive Player of the Year and boasted shooting percentages of 48.6% from the field, 39.8% from 3 and 82% from the line.
Johnson finished her career with a 145-9 career record.
“First and foremost, she’s a winner,” Fever coach Stephanie White told reporters at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. “She’s won at every level, set the tone at every level. She’s immediately ready on the defensive end, which is something that we need, someone who can come in and make an impact on that end of the floor. She’s been a true point guard. … And she’s experienced in big game moments. Just really excited that she fell to us.”
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley told reporters earlier this month it’s “a comfort” knowing Johnson is on her team. “She gives us a really good chance of winning every time we step on the floor.”
“Raven is the head of the snake,” South Carolina senior Maryam Dauda told USA TODAY Sports ahead of the Final Four. “When we know that it’s time to lock in, she makes sure she locks us in. Raven always calms us down.”
Johnson’s 202 assists as a senior ranked fourth-most in program history. She ranks third in career assists (612).
Fever coach Stephanie White meets with reporters following Raven Johnson pick
Fever GM Amber Cox meets with reporters following Raven Johnson pick
Fever’s selection of Raven Johnson drawing all A’s
Reviews of the Indiana Fever’s selection of South Carolina guard Raven Johnson are beginning to trickle in. Here’s what the outsiders are saying.
For The Win: A — Cory Woodroof and Mary Clarke called it an “incredibly smart pick” for the Fever to build out its roster with an elite defender.
CBS Sports: A- — Jack Maloney is high on Johnson’s status as a defensive-minded guard and how she complements Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell in that role.
The Sporting News: A
2026 Indiana Fever roster
The Indiana Fever began the week with three players under contract. Here’s an updated roster:
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Fever select guard from South Carolina in first round of 2026 WNBA Draft. What we know, grades
Reporting by Brian Haenchen and Chloe Peterson, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
