As the South Carolina Gamecocks prepare for the 2025-26 basketball season, star guard Raven Johnson is motivated by criticism from Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, a childhood friend. Determined to push her performance further, Johnson aims to prove her worth on the court after confronting Edwards’ blunt feedback.
The conversation between Johnson and Edwards highlights their friendly rivalry, with Edwards having expressed frustration following South Carolina’s loss last year. Johnson’s goal is to use his critique as fuel to improve her game and deliver stronger performances moving forward.
Support and Guidance from Former Teammate Destanni Henderson
Johnson credits much of her growth to mentoring from former teammate Destanni Henderson, who helped her adjust to head coach Dawn Staley’s complex system. Describing the transition as difficult, Johnson said it required mastering the intricacies of her point guard role.
She reflected,
“Honestly, it’s not easy. It’s very hard.”
—Raven Johnson
Johnson emphasized Henderson’s influence, noting,
“Having Henny in front of me… their IQ for the game was very good. They taught me a lot of ins and outs about what I need to do for the point guard role.”
—Raven Johnson
This mentorship played a key role in South Carolina’s undefeated 38-0 run and national championship win in 2024, during which Johnson delivered a standout 24-point, 7-assist performance against Iowa.
Anthony Edwards’ Impact on Johnson’s Development
Anthony Edwards, recognized for his star potential by <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA veteran Jeff Teague, who compared Edwards’ talent to Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has been a guiding figure in Johnson’s journey. Their close relationship blends mentorship with friendly critique, helping Johnson identify areas to improve.
Following Johnson’s viral wave-off moment against Caitlin Clark in 2023, Edwards provided encouragement, strengthening their bond. Johnson even jokes that Edwards is like her son, highlighting their personal connection.
By embracing Edwards’ challenges, Johnson is set to elevate her contribution as South Carolina prepares to clash with Tennessee in the new season, aiming for another championship run. Her plan to return the critique shows her determined mindset to silence critics and leave a lasting legacy.