Flau’Jae Johnson’s Uplifting Words for the LSU Tigers

Team,

As I stand here before you, looking at each of you, I want to remind you that we are more than just a group of basketball players. We are a family. We are a force. We are the LSU Tigers. And when we step onto that court, we carry not only our dreams but the dreams of everyone who believes in us — the fans, our families, our friends, and the entire LSU community.

I know that the road we walk is not always smooth. We face obstacles, doubts, and challenges that sometimes make us question whether we can push through. But let me tell you right now, there is nothing this team can’t overcome. We are resilient. We are relentless. We are built to rise when the world tries to push us down.

When I think about this team, I see something special. I see passion. I see grit. I see heart. We have players who are willing to put in the work — the sweat, the sacrifices, and the hours in the gym. That work doesn’t just happen on game day. It happens when no one is watching, when we’re grinding in silence, when we’re focused on becoming better each and every day. That’s where champions are made, in the moments that are unseen, in the quiet determination that drives us to be the best.

We’ve faced adversity. We’ve faced setbacks. But every time we’ve been knocked down, we’ve gotten back up stronger than before. That’s the essence of who we are. It’s in our DNA. This team doesn’t just play the game of basketball; we embody what it means to never give up, to fight until the final whistle, and to always push forward with unwavering belief in one another.

There are going to be times when we get tired, when the scoreboard doesn’t reflect the effort we’ve put in, when the shots aren’t falling, or when things just don’t seem to go our way. But those are the moments that define us. Those are the moments where we learn what we’re truly made of.

Remember why we do this. We do this because we love this game. We do this because we believe in each other. We do this because we’re representing something bigger than ourselves. Every time we wear these jerseys, we are carrying the legacy of LSU basketball. We are carrying the pride of Baton Rouge, the pride of Louisiana, and the pride of every person who believes in us.

We can’t control the outcome of every game, but we can control how we approach every single possession, every single play, and every single practice. We can control our attitude, our effort, and our energy. And with that control, we have the power to make anything happen.

Let’s remember, no matter the score, no matter the odds, no matter the adversity we face — we are a team. We are a family. And together, we are unstoppable.

I want each of you to look around this locker room and remember this: You are not alone in this journey. We are all in this together. When one of us struggles, we all struggle. When one of us rises, we all rise. We lift each other up. We celebrate each other’s successes. We challenge each other to be better. We push each other to greatness, because we know that greatness doesn’t come from one player. It comes from all of us, together, united as one.

And I want to remind you of something that’s often overlooked: You are more than basketball players. You are leaders. You are role models. You are inspirations to the young girls watching from the stands, to the fans who cheer for us, to the people who look up to you because of your strength, your dedication, and your commitment. Never forget the power you hold as an athlete, as a member of this team, and as a representative of LSU.

To the coaching staff, thank you for your dedication, your belief in us, and your unwavering support. We know the sacrifices you make for us to have the chance to chase our dreams, and we appreciate every single moment you’ve given to help us reach our potential. You’ve guided us, not just as players, but as people. And for that, we are forever grateful.

And to my teammates, I want you to know that every time I step onto that court, I am not just playing for myself. I am playing for you. I am playing for this team. I am playing for LSU. I know that each of you brings something unique to this team. Some of you bring a quiet determination, some of you bring leadership, some of you bring pure hustle, and some of you bring energy that lights up the entire arena. Together, we are an unstoppable force.

Let’s take this journey one game at a time, one practice at a time. Let’s stay focused on the present and trust in the process. We know what it takes to win. We’ve been through the highs and the lows, and we’ve learned from every single experience. We are battle-tested. We are prepared for anything.

When we face challenges — and we will — let’s face them with our heads held high, with courage in our hearts, and with an unshakable belief that we are capable of achieving greatness. There will be bumps along the way, but we will remain united. We will lift each other up when we’re down, and we will celebrate each other’s victories as if they were our own.

We’ve put in the work. We’ve paid the price. Now, it’s time to go out there and show the world what LSU basketball is all about. Let’s go out there and leave everything we have on the court. Let’s show our fans what it means to be a part of the LSU Tigers. Let’s make every game a testament to our commitment, our passion, and our love for this game.

We are LSU. We are relentless. And together, we are going to accomplish things that will be remembered for years to come.

Now, let’s go out there and get to work.