Dawn Staley Makes Cameo With Raven Johnson During Fever's Tunnel Walk
Dawn Staley made a virtual cameo during Raven Johnson's tunnel walk with the Indiana Fever ahead of their preseason game against the Nigerian national team. Johnson, a recent WNBA draft pick, debuted with six points and eight assists in her first preseason appearance. Staley praised her former player on social media, calling her an elite defender and playmaker built for the moment.
- ▪Dawn Staley appeared via FaceTime during Raven Johnson's tunnel walk before the Fever's preseason game.
- ▪Raven Johnson was drafted 10th overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
- ▪Johnson recorded six points, eight assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in her preseason debut.
- ▪Staley commended Johnson on X, highlighting her defensive and playmaking abilities.
- ▪The Indiana Fever will begin their 2026 regular season against the Dallas Wings on May 9.
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By Megan ArmstrongShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Dawn Staley, the iconic South Carolina head women's basketball coach, and her star guard Raven Johnson were inseparable during Johnson's five seasons with the Gamecocks. Johnson departed South Carolina with a 145-9 overall record, including two national championships, with the ninth loss coming in her final game. UCLA dominated South Carolina to win the national championship last month. The Indiana Fever drafted Johnson 10th overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13, and Staley was on hand to support her.Johnson is fully embedded with the Fever now, but she and Staley are still inseparable.
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