Indiana Fever faithful are reeling after the team selected South Carolina guard Raven Johnson with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, reigniting painful memories of her heated college history with superstar Caitlin Clark.
The selection, intended to add defensive grit and playmaking depth alongside Aliyah Boston and Clark, has instead divided the fanbase. Social media exploded within minutes of the announcement, with many supporters voicing disappointment and concern over the awkward backstory between the two guards.
The tension traces back to the 2023 NCAA Final Four, when Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes faced Johnson’s South Carolina Gamecocks. In a viral moment that still circulates widely, Clark famously waved off Johnson at the three-point line, daring the then-struggling shooter to fire away while playing well off her. Johnson, who shot just 24% from beyond the arc that season, later admitted the public backlash and bullying nearly drove her to quit basketball.
“I got bashed, I got bullied… I wanted to quit at that time,” Johnson revealed in a recent podcast interview, describing how the internet scrutiny left her isolated before she leaned on faith and teammates for support. South Carolina ultimately avenged the loss by defeating Iowa in the 2024 national title game, but the old clip resurfaced instantly after Monday night’s draft, fueling fresh memes and debates.
Fever fans took to X and Reddit, with comments ranging from “We don’t need that drama in the locker room” to “Why bring in someone Clark already embarrassed?” Others worried Johnson’s modest college scoring averages (around 6-7 points per game) made her an odd fit for a backcourt already led by Clark’s elite playmaking.
Team officials, however, remain optimistic. Head coach Stephanie White praised Johnson’s championship pedigree and defensive skills, calling her a “winner” who can complement Clark by handling the ball and allowing the superstar to operate off-ball. General Manager Amber Cox noted they viewed Johnson as a potential top-five talent who slid unexpectedly.
Still, the fan reaction highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding anything involving Clark, the face of the league’s surging popularity. Supporters who helped pack Gainbridge Fieldhouse and drive record viewership fear any perceived slight to their star could disrupt team chemistry.
Johnson herself has expressed excitement about learning from Clark and joining a rising contender. Whether the past rivalry becomes motivation for on-court success or lingers as unnecessary baggage remains to be seen as the Fever look to build on last season’s playoff push.
For now, one thing is clear: in Fever Nation, every draft pick is measured against loyalty to Caitlin Clark—and this one has left many disappointed.
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