Tessa Johnson’s Emergence Signals a New Era for South Carolina Women’s Basketball
In just two seasons, Tessa Johnson has already made her mark at South Carolina, most notably with her breakout performance in the 2024 national championship game. But as the new season approaches, her role is set to grow significantly — and it’s officially Tessa Time in Columbia.
Last season, Johnson put up solid numbers, averaging 8.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 21.2 minutes per game. She shot an impressive 47.4% from the field and 43.0% from beyond the arc, showing marked improvement from her freshman campaign. But the step forward wasn’t just in playing time — it was in overall impact.
Her development was evident in more advanced metrics as well. Once known primarily as a three-point threat, Johnson broadened her offensive arsenal. She grew more comfortable driving the lane, knocking down mid-range shots, and facilitating for teammates. Her assist percentage climbed, and on the defensive end, her plus/minus ranked 12th in the SEC — a testament to her two-way value.
Still, consistency was her biggest challenge.
Johnson started the year strong with 15 points in the season opener against Michigan, but an ankle injury during the NC State game sidelined her for over two games. That setback interrupted her early rhythm — a theme that carried throughout the season.
After Christmas, she strung together four straight double-digit scoring performances, including a career-high 22 points at Mississippi State, but she didn’t manage to score in double figures in back-to-back regular-season games again. In fact, in nine different games, she took four or fewer shots — often appearing to defer rather than take control.
That passive approach may have been acceptable as a freshman, but now head coach Dawn Staley expects more. Ahead of the SEC Tournament, Staley challenged her:
“I want ‘Tournament Tessa’ to show up.”
While the nickname “Tournament Tessa” was intended as praise, it also hinted at inconsistency. Johnson took the challenge to heart.
“I would like me to play like Tournament Tessa stinking every single game,” she admitted during the NCAA Tournament. “And I need to be more consistent throughout the season. If I was consistent throughout the season and also (added on) in the tournament, then I would like Tournament Tessa.”
And in the postseason, that version of her reappeared. Johnson shot 52.4% from three, and she got to the free throw line 21 times — a stark contrast to the 36 attempts she had all season. The only exception was a quiet outing against Duke.
Now, as she enters her junior year, Johnson is expected to step into the starting spot vacated by Bree Hall. But she won’t just be taking Hall’s place in the lineup — she’ll also assume Hall’s responsibilities as a perimeter defender and floor spacer.
Johnson got a preview of that role last season when Hall needed breathers, but now the burden falls squarely on her shoulders. With Te-Hina Paopao and Hall both gone, Johnson remains the team’s only returning sharpshooter with 100+ three-point attempts.
That spacing is especially crucial for Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina’s elite transfer who led the nation in scoring at Florida State. Latson thrives in isolation and off the dribble — but she needs shooters like Johnson to stretch defenses and give her room to operate. At FSU, Latson had three teammates who attempted 100+ threes. At South Carolina, it’s Johnson or bust.
Looking back on the Gamecocks’ heartbreaking loss to UConn in the championship game, Johnson reflected on the lessons learned:
“Every team goes out there and wants it. They’re going to put their body on the line for the games,” she said. “It’s not going to come easy, so we have to stay disciplined and stay focused.”
With top contenders like LSU and Madison Booker’s Texas team looming, South Carolina will need “Tournament Tessa” to show up — not just in March, but all season long. And Johnson is ready for the challenge:
