NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 13: Raven Johnson (L) of South Carolina poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (R) after being selected with the 10th pick in the first round by the Indiana Fever during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images)

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Cole Sullivan

By Cole Sullivan

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The Indiana Fever had an active offseason thus far since free agency began, and they added to there 2026-27 roster on Monday night during the WNBA draft.

With there first round selection, they drafted South Carolina Gamecocks star Raven Johnson No. 10 overall, who spent the last five seasons under head coach Dawn Staley and faced off against Caitlin Clark during her days at Iowa in the national championship back during 2023-24 season.

She was also teammates with Fever forward Aliyah Boston for her two years with the Gamecocks and across her collegiate career she started 117 of 154 games, averaging 6.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Raven Johnson (L) of South Carolina poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (R) after being selected with the 10th pick in the first round by the Indiana Fever during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images)

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Some fans were initially wary of the selection due to her college background and the brief rivalry between South Carolina and Iowa when Clark was still in college. A viral clip resurfaced showing Clark waving off Johnson at the three-point line, which Johnson later admitted led to a difficult stretch for her mentally.

“I got bashed, I got bullied … I wanted to quit basketball at that time,” Johnson said.

However, Johnson appears fully committed to embracing her role in Indiana. When asked who she is most excited to play with, she did not mention any former teammates from South Carolina, instead immediately naming Clark.

“Caitlin Clark,” Johnson said. “She’s a phenomenal player. The things she does are bar standard. She can shoot the ball, she can lead a team, and they win. She has a winning mentality, and I think that’s the biggest thing.”

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What role Johnson will play on Stephanie White’s team remains unclear, especially with the return of key guards Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell, and Sophie Cunningham. That likely means Johnson will begin her career in a bench role.

Indiana also drafted Justine Pissott in the second round with the No. 25 pick and Jessica Timmons in the third round at No. 40 overall, both of whom will be competing for roster spots as well.

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