Latest news with #DiamondJohnson
Miami Herald
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Diamond Johnson signs WNBA training camp contract
Diamond Johnson, one of the most accomplished guards in HBCU women's basketball, has signed a training camp contract with the Minnesota Lynx, aiming to secure a spot on their 2025 WNBA roster. Despite her standout collegiate career, Johnson went undrafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft, a decision that sparked considerable discussion among fans and analysts. Transferring to Norfolk State for her final two college seasons, Johnson delivered exceptional performances, averaging 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 steals per game. She set a MEAC Tournament single-game scoring record with a 30-point, 11-rebound outing in the semifinals and was named the 2024 Women's Basketball Co-Player of the Year at the Spartan Choice Awards. Johnson's omission from the draft raised questions about potential biases, with some speculating that her height and decision to play at an HBCU may have influenced teams' decisions. Social media reactions highlighted the surprise and disappointment felt by many, emphasizing her impressive statistics and leadership qualities. Now, with the opportunity to compete in the Lynx's training camp, Diamond Johnson aims to demonstrate her capabilities and earn a place in the WNBA. Her journey underscores the challenges faced by talented players from underrepresented programs like Norfolk State and other HBCUs and the importance of providing equitable opportunities in professional sports. The Minnesota Lynx are set to open training camp at The Courts at Mayo Clinic Square on Sunday, April 27. Their two-game preseason slate kicks off with a matchup against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena on Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m. EST.. The preseason concludes with a home game at Target Center on Saturday, May 10 at 8:00 p.m. EST. Minnesota will tip off the regular season on the road, facing the Dallas Wings on Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. EST. The post Diamond Johnson signs WNBA training camp contract appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
HBCU in shock as Norfolk State star goes undrafted in 2025 WNBA Draft
It was supposed to be a celebration. Instead, it became a stunning silence. Diamond Johnson, the Norfolk State star who lit up the MEAC with her scoring, defense, and leadership, watched the 2025 WNBA Draft come and go without hearing her name. For many HBCU fans and supporters of women's college basketball, the omission is as baffling as it is disappointing. Advertisement Johnson ended her college career with eye-popping numbers: 19.2 points, 4.3 assists, and a MEAC-best 3.6 steals per game. She earned MEAC Player of the Year honors and was named to the All-Defensive Team. The Spartans went undefeated in conference play under her leadership, and she delivered marquee wins in non-conference action. In April, she capped her season by winning MVP of the Libby's All-Star Game with 21 points—including the game-winner—right in front of WNBA scouts. Many analysts projected Johnson as a third-round pick. Yet as teams selected players from power conferences and overseas programs, Johnson remained unclaimed. Guards with less production and less proven leadership were taken instead. The glaring absence raises questions about how mid-major and HBCU stars are evaluated at the next level. Regardless of draft night, Johnson's legacy is untouchable. She stands alone as the only active Division I player with over 2,000 points, 600 rebounds, 390 assists, and 300 steals. She's already left her mark in college hoops history—and she's just getting started. Related: HBCU star earns Baltimore Ravens Pro Day invite Johnson has options: training camps, international leagues, and potentially a call-up as WNBA rosters shift mid-season. But the bigger message here is one HBCU fans know all too well—talent doesn't always get its due. It's time for the WNBA to broaden its lens. Advertisement Related: Morgan Price makes history as a repeat champion Because players like Diamond Johnson shouldn't have to fight this hard just to be seen. Related: Charlie Ward emerges as top candidate for FAMU basketball head coach opening Related: Stephen A. Smith: 'I have no choice' but to consider presidential bid
Miami Herald
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
WNBA draft snub about height? Or HBCU?
Despite a decorated college career and undeniable talent, Norfolk State's Diamond Johnson did not hear her name called in the 2025 WNBA Draft - a decision that sparked frustration among HBCU supporters and basketball fans omission highlights a lingering tension in women's basketball: how much do factors like height and institutional affiliation impact draft stock? Chasity Melvin, a former NC State star and WNBA All-Star, summed up the sentiment succinctly: "Diamond Johnson is the most notable that didn't get drafted to me - and let's be real, it's because of her size and the last college she played for." At 5'5", Johnson is one of the smallest players in the draft pool. While her height didn't stop her from averaging 20+ points per game at Norfolk State and previously starring at NC State, there's little doubt that WNBA scouts place a premium on size - particularly at the guard position. Still, her final stop at an HBCU may have hurt her draft chances just as much. Despite dominating the MEAC and earning national media attention, playing at Norfolk State and helping it win 30 games and knock off two SEC teams still wasn't enough to help her get selected. "She's right there with Amoore," Melvin added, referring to Virginia Tech standout Georgia Amoore, who was selected in the second round. The comparison is fair. Both are undersized, but Johnson is more experienced, more dynamic with the ball, and equally capable of creating her own Johnson's snub was a frustrating mix of bias - somewhat based on stature and almost definitely on attending an HBCU. But her talent is undeniable. Whether through a training camp invite or overseas dominance, don't be surprised if Diamond Johnson forces her way into the WNBA the hard way. The post WNBA draft snub about height? Or HBCU? appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Norfolk State b-baller nets spotlight for herself, other HBCUs
Norfolk State University's Diamond Johnson (center) earned MVP status for her performance at the Women's College All-Star Game, April 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy Nick Sutton/Norfolk State University) Norfolk State University sharpshooter Diamond Johnson elevated her draft stock for the WNBA with a stellar performance at the Women's College All-Star Game over the weekend – and may have forced professional teams to give a second look to basketball players at historically Black colleges and universities. Johnson earned the Most Valuable Player award with a stat line of 21 points, four rebounds and two steals in her team's 71-59 victory. She shot an impressive 9 for 13 from the field. Cheryl Miller, who's basketball royalty, coached her team. The game in Florida featured stars from major programs including the Southeastern, Atlantic Coast and Big 10 conferences. It aired live on ESPN2, and Johnson received a chain basketball hoop as part of her award. 'The opportunity was given to us to showcase our talent to see what we can do on and off the court,' Johnson told All-Star game organizers after her MVP performance. 'I am just so grateful for this. So grateful.' She's a Philadelphia native, but she has several ties to the commonwealth. Johnson started high school in Hampton and played in the well-known Boo Williams Summer League. In what's become common in the current college landscape, she previously attended Rutgers and North Carolina State before coming to mid-major NSU in the 2023-24 academic year. The 5-foot-5 graduate student was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference player of the year this season, and she led her team to the NCAA tournament. She also excelled in the classroom, landing on the conference's All-Academic Team. A published report says only seven HBCU players have been drafted by the WNBA since its inaugural season in 1997. I attribute that to the high-level competition in the major conferences, as well as the size and skills of those players. (NSU Assistant Director of Sports Communications Noah Schlekeway told me just 14 Spartans have gone on to play in the NBA.) Johnson, though, has a legitimate shot at becoming the eighth selected from an HBCU at the April 14 draft. At the very least, she's expanded her opportunities with leagues overseas. Her televised MVP performance on Saturday ensured it, while also lifting up NSU and other HBCUs in the process. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Women's March Madness upset predictions: Can Harvard pull off a stunner?
It wouldn't be March Madness without upsets, and the 2025 postseason has gotten off to a good start with surprises aplenty in the conference tournaments. William & Mary won the CAA as the ninth seed; James Madison lost the Sun Belt title despite being undefeated in conference play; a pair of San Diego schools (UC San Diego and San Diego State) won their conference crowns as No. 4 seeds; and Oregon State took down the top two seeds in the WCC for an automatic bid a year after the Pac-12 collapsed, threatening the Beavers' program in the process. But the women's NCAA Tournament isn't as upset-friendly in the early rounds as conference tournaments. Host sites give the top-four seeds an extra advantage, and for all the talk of parity, that doesn't necessarily extend to the full 68-team field. In 2024, there was one first-round upset and three more in the second round for a ratio of one every 12 games. That picked up in the later rounds on neutral sites, as half of the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games were upsets by seed. As we look at the first round of this year's NCAA Tournament, keep in mind that chaos isn't terribly likely, and maybe that's for the best in the long run so that the rest of the tournament will deliver marquee matchups. For now, here are five first-round games that seem most likely to create fireworks. Harvard enters the NCAA Tournament 11th nationally in NET rating, per CBB Analytics, compared to 28th for the Spartans. Considering only Quad 1 games (since Harvard's Ivy League schedule wasn't necessarily as challenging as Michigan State's in the Big Ten), the Crimson's NET rating of plus-4.0 points per 100 possessions still exceeds Michigan State's (minus-1.0). This is a clash of styles between Michigan State's pace (96th percentile) versus Harvard's tendency to walk up the ball — the Crimson's pace is in the 12th percentile. It's easier to slow teams down than speed them up, and considering Harvard runs a press of its own for 40 minutes, the Crimson should figure out the Spartans' pressure without getting flustered. It's the year of the Ivy League, with three teams in this year's field. Harvard has the best shot of getting a win, and in the process, earning a unit distribution in the women's tournament's new financial if we dance a little?#GoCrimson x #BelieveIt Harvard Women's Basketball (@HarvardWBB) March 17, 2025 Diamond Johnson started her college career in the Big Ten at Rutgers before transferring to NC State and then landing with the Spartans for the last two seasons. She has played Maryland twice, scoring 18 and 17 points in a loss and a win, and knows what to expect from a Brenda Frese team. That's a level of familiarity that mid-majors don't always have with power conference opponents. Johnson averages 19 points per game while shooting 53.6 percent on 2s and 34.9 percent on 3s; she could realistically be the best player in this contest, which is the perfect recipe for a giant killer. Norfolk State is also one of the best teams in the country at forcing turnovers, which the Spartans do on more than a quarter of opposing possessions. That is of particular concern for the Terrapins, who lost point guard Bri McDaniel to a season-ending injury. Another factor working in Norfolk State's favor? Geography. Maryland is hosting, but the Spartans' campus is less than four hours away, which should allow for a sizable traveling party. As a word of caution, No. 13 seeds are historically unlikely to win games, only pulling off the upset seven times in tournament history (5.8 percent of the time). Perhaps Norfolk State has the juice. I'm hedging here, because I really believe only in the upset potential of the Cyclones. Audi Crooks has a track record of dominating undersized Big Ten teams in the first round, and despite the awesome perimeter prowess of the Wolverines, I don't know who is supposed to guard Crooks since 6-foot-5 Yulia Grabovskaia comes off the bench. With Emily Ryan and Addy Brown in the backcourt, Iowa State can put together a reasonable defensive game plan on Syla Swords and Olivia Olson. The Cyclones' inconsistency is a concern, and they'll have to win a game just to get to the Michigan matchup. But they have Crooks, and that gives them a to work 🙌🌪️🏀🌪️ Cyclone Basketball (@CycloneWBB) March 8, 2025 Whenever the committee tries to engineer a perfect matchup, something gets in the way. Last season, Louisville was on track to face LSU, featuring transfer Hailey Van Lith, in the second round, but the Cardinals were upset by Middle Tennessee State (the lone upset of the opening round!). This year, Louisville and Van Lith, now with TCU, are again on a collision course, but Nebraska stands in the way. And this is a good Huskers team that moves and shoots the ball well, especially from 3-point range (37.2 percent for the season). Unlike the best Jeff Walz teams, this year's Cardinals are better on offense than defense and could get run out of the gym by Nebraska, especially since they don't defend the 3-point line well. Truthfully, this pick is somewhat wild. A No. 14 seed has never won an NCAA Tournament game in the women's bracket, and FGCU isn't historically great. However, this is a rematch of last season's first-round matchup when the Eagles lost by three. Statistically, this iteration of FGCU is better than in 2024 (by NET rating), though the Sooners are also much improved, and have a new cheat code in the form of Raegan Beers. If the Eagles can win the 3-point battle — and Oklahoma is prone to giving up a high volume of 3s (22.2 per game) — then perhaps FGCU can finally pull off its upset, one year later. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Nebraska Cornhuskers, Michigan State Spartans, Florida Gulf Coast Eagles, Maryland Terrapins, Oklahoma Sooners, Norfolk State Spartans, Harvard Crimson, Louisville Cardinals, Iowa State Cyclones, Michigan Wolverines, Women's College Basketball, Women's NCAA Tournament 2025 The Athletic Media Company
