Every Dawn Staley era has had a floor general who set the tone. Ty Harris ran the show during the rise. Destanni Henderson brought championship composure. Now, the keys belong fully to Raven Johnson and Staley is making it clear this is her time to lead. After a breakout tournament run and an offseason spent sharpening her shot and decision-making, Johnson enters 2025-26 not just as South Carolina’s point guard, but as the heartbeat of a new chapter.
What makes this moment different is how much Staley is leaning into Johnson’s evolution. The offense isn’t just running through her; it’s being shaped around her. Her pace, vision, and leadership are dictating tempo, and the Gamecocks’ spacing reflects her improved shooting confidence. This is a team that wants to push, pressure, and punish – and it starts with Raven’s hands on the ball.
For Johnson, the task is bigger than filling a role. She’s carrying the weight of expectation that comes with leading a program built to win titles every season. But that’s exactly the kind of pressure Staley believes forges greatness. If Raven continues to rise the way she has, South Carolina’s “retooling year” might look a lot more like another Final Four run.
