Indiana Fever Chooses South Carolina Guard in 2026 WNBA Draft’s First Round
In Indianapolis, the Indiana Fever used the 10th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft to select Raven Johnson. She is a 5-foot-9 point guard from South Carolina.
Johnson averaged 9.9 points, 5.1 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals last season. She earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
College production and accolades
Johnson shot 48.6 percent from the field. She converted 39.8 percent of her 3-pointers and 82 percent of free throws.
Her senior season included 202 assists, the fourth-most in program history. She finished with 612 career assists, ranking third all-time at South Carolina.
Johnson closed her college career with a 145-9 record. Coaches and evaluators noted her poise in high-pressure moments.
Coaching comments and fit
Fever coach Stephanie White praised Johnson as a winner at every level. White highlighted her defensive readiness and true point-guard instincts.
White made her remarks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. She said the pick fills a defensive need and brings experience to the backcourt.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley called Johnson a comfort to the program. Teammate Maryam Dauda described her as the team’s steadying force.
How she complements the roster
The selection pairs Johnson with Caitlin Clark in the backcourt. The decision strengthens the Fever’s guard rotation and perimeter defense.
General manager Amber Cox said the front office moved quickly to assemble the roster. She noted most of the team came together in a few days.
- Monique Billings, forward
- Aliyah Boston, center
- Caitlin Clark, guard
- Sophie Cunningham, guard
- Damiris Dantas, center
- Ty Harris, guard
- Myisha Hines-Allen, forward
- Lexie Hull, wing
- Megan McConnell, guard (training camp contract)
- Kelsey Mitchell, guard
- Makayla Timpson, forward
- Kayana Traylor, guard (training camp contract)
Draft reaction and analyst grades
Early outside reaction has been largely positive. Analysts praised the Fever for drafting an elite defender.
For The Win awarded the pick an A. CBS Sports graded it A-. The Sporting News also gave a high mark.
Commentators emphasized how Johnson’s defense complements Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell. They called the move a smart roster-building choice.
The Indiana Fever Chooses South Carolina guard in the 2026 WNBA Draft’s first round and adds a proven floor leader. The team expects her to make an immediate impact on defense and in late-game situations.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow the Fever’s offseason developments. More analysis and coverage will be published as the roster evolves.
