South Carolina Star Guard Raven Johnson Shocks College Basketball Community With Stunning Decision to Return for Another Season in 2025
Raven Johnson could have chosen the professional path. She could have declared for the WNBA Draft and immediately stepped into a league that’s been increasingly hungry for high-IQ, tough-nosed guards who make their teammates better. But instead, Johnson—South Carolina’s floor general, voice of composure, and perhaps the most trusted guard in Dawn Staley’s rotation—left the college basketball world absolutely stunned this week by announcing that she will return to Columbia for another season.
It wasn’t just Gamecocks fans who were taken aback. Analysts, opposing coaches, and even several WNBA scouts had pegged Johnson as a likely early entrant into the 2025 WNBA Draft pool. Her leadership, defensive prowess, and ever-improving offensive skill set had made her one of the most respected guards in the SEC. But just as the basketball world began adjusting its projections and draft boards, Johnson reshuffled them again with a single post: she’s coming back.
For South Carolina, it’s a jolt of energy and experience that immediately reshapes the national championship conversation for 2025-26. The Gamecocks, fresh off another deep NCAA Tournament run under Staley, had expected to lose key contributors—including Johnson—leaving the program with younger talent and new transfers needing to shoulder more responsibility. But with Johnson returning, a steadying presence remains in the backcourt—someone who already knows the expectations, the systems, and what it takes to lead one of college basketball’s premier programs.
Johnson’s return goes beyond statistics, though her numbers certainly bolster her value. In the 2024-25 season, she averaged 9.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.3 steals per game while playing more than 30 minutes a night. She shot the ball at a respectable clip and showcased a much more aggressive mentality when needed—especially in games that hung in the balance. But what truly defined her year was the way she led.
When injuries hit the roster or when younger players needed guidance, Johnson was the one who steadied the group. She wasn’t the loudest or flashiest guard in the country, but she may have been one of the smartest. Her feel for the game—the ability to dictate tempo, pick the right pass, make crucial reads defensively—has made her invaluable to Dawn Staley’s system. And Staley herself has long praised Johnson for her maturity and growth, even in the face of early adversity.
Few will forget that Johnson was once the freshman who struggled. She had to sit out most of her first season due to injury. The expectations were high from the start—she was a McDonald’s All-American, a former Naismith Prep Player of the Year finalist—but her introduction to college basketball was anything but smooth. Still, she remained locked in, soaking up knowledge and becoming a more complete player. That evolution, over the span of several seasons, is part of what makes her return so meaningful. She knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level of women’s college basketball—and she’s coming back even hungrier.
There’s also the competitive fire that never seems to leave her. Johnson was visibly emotional after South Carolina’s season ended in the NCAA Tournament. Though the Gamecocks made another Final Four, they fell short of winning a national title—a goal that has hovered over the program since their championship run in 2022. In that moment, Johnson’s disappointment was unmistakable. Now, her decision to return signals that unfinished business is a real motivator. She wants another shot. Another ride with her teammates. Another banner.
In today’s game, where the transfer portal and early draft declarations dominate the headlines, a player like Raven Johnson staying put is not just rare—it’s impactful. She could have gone pro and likely landed in the first or second round of the WNBA Draft. She could have followed the example of other elite guards who seized their moment when their stock was hot. Instead, Johnson’s loyalty to South Carolina, her belief in Staley’s vision, and her desire to lead the Gamecocks one more time speak volumes about her character and commitment.
From a program standpoint, this is monumental. The Gamecocks now retain a critical piece of their identity heading into next season. With Johnson running the offense, new recruits and younger players won’t be expected to bear the full leadership burden right away. They’ll have time to grow, to learn, and to find their role beside one of the most intelligent playmakers in college basketball. That kind of structure is invaluable in today’s fast-moving college landscape.
Moreover, Johnson’s return ensures that South Carolina remains a top-tier contender in the SEC and nationally. While other powerhouse programs reload with transfers or freshmen, the Gamecocks get to build around a core player who’s been in the fire. Her presence helps elevate everyone around her. It brings a sense of continuity to a team that, despite change, still demands excellence at every level.
The fans, too, have reason to celebrate. Johnson has become a fan favorite in Columbia—not because she’s flashy, but because she plays the game the right way. She defends with intensity, never shies away from a big moment, and always puts the team first. Her return gives Gamecocks fans one more season to watch a player who exemplifies all the traits they’ve come to expect from a South Carolina leader.
And perhaps it sends a broader message to the world of women’s college basketball. That even in an era of NIL deals and early departures, there’s still room for players to choose legacy over immediacy. That returning to finish something—whether it’s a title run, a personal goal, or simply another year with teammates—can be just as powerful as moving on. For Raven Johnson, staying at South Carolina was never just about basketball. It was about growth, loyalty, and the chance to cement a legacy that already stands among the most respected in the sport.
Her impact will likely be felt far beyond the court. Teammates look up to her. Recruits watch her. Opponents respect her. With Johnson back, the Gamecocks aren’t just gaining a returning player—they’re gaining an extension of the coaching staff on the floor. Someone who sees the game like a veteran, who talks like a coach, and who inspires like a captain. In a program that already has one of the best leaders in Dawn Staley, that combination becomes downright formidable.
The timing, too, makes this all the more dramatic. Johnson announced her decision at a time when many assumed the roster was set. South Carolina’s offseason strategy had already begun to take shape with new signings, portal additions, and player workouts. But her return now changes the entire calculus. Expectations are reset. Championship hopes are reinforced. And the bar is raised again.
When the 2025-26 season begins, the spotlight will shine bright on Columbia. The Gamecocks will be back in the mix, and Raven Johnson will be at the center of it. Her story—from injury-plagued freshman to battle-tested leader—already reads like a blueprint for how to build a college basketball legacy. But clearly, she’s not done writing it.
With one more chapter still to come, all eyes will be on Johnson and the Gamecocks. And if history is any indication, she won’t just meet expectations—she’ll set a new standard for what it means to lead, to compete, and to return when the world least expects it.
