Zaniya Johnson’s Decision: South Carolina or LSU on Oct. 21
Decision Date
Johnson will announce Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 12:35 p.m. ET (11:35 a.m. Central), according to 247Sports. She’s a 6-foot-4 post from Biloxi, Mississippi, ranked 17th by Rivals and 18th by ESPN, and the third-ranked post in the class.
The Odds
These percentages are my own estimate based on the visible factors:
- South Carolina: about 55%
- LSU: about 45%
That’s a lean, not a forecast. A single late conversation can flip a recruitment, and the gap reflects real uncertainty.
The Optics for South Carolina
- Momentum. The Gamecocks just landed Banks and Brown, so a Johnson commitment would complete a strong class.
- Her visit. She was on campus over the weekend of Oct. 2-3, and the staff has pitched her as a future piece of their frontcourt.
- Pro pipeline. South Carolina has four alumnae in the WNBA Finals, and one is guaranteed to win a title.
- Staley’s track record with bigs. Her teams are known for developing interior players.
The optics concern: Staley is losing Kitts and Watkins, but the returning frontcourt in 2027-28 still includes Tournebize, Andrews, Wynn, Tac, Joyce Edwards and Oliviyah Edwards. That’s a crowded group, so a skeptic could ask about early playing time.
The Optics for LSU
- Proximity. Biloxi is far closer to Baton Rouge than to Columbia, a point that matters to many families, though I haven’t seen the family’s reasoning.
- A fresh start. LSU lost Banks, so the staff has extra motivation to land a star.
- Alumnae in the Finals. Angel Reese is in the WNBA Finals, which helps a “play for the next level” pitch.
The optics concern: LSU already holds a commitment from Caroline Bradley, the highest-rated post in the class, which could mean competition for minutes. The program has also had a noisy offseason: Alexis Morris accused Mulkey of Title IX violations this week (an accusation, not a finding), and Mulkey drew criticism over the Koval-Minaeva situation.
Plausible Arguments for Each Choice
If she picks South Carolina:
- Development and honesty. Players like Banks cite Staley’s candor about what it takes to reach the next level.
- A built-in supporting cast. She’d join a class with elite guards who can feed her.
- Proven pro track. Madina Okot went 13th in the draft after one season with Staley.
- Stability. The program has been a conference and national contender for years.
If she picks LSU:
- Stay close to home. Family access is a legitimate priority.
- A leading role. If she believes the staff would feature her, she could see the court quickly.
- Star power and exposure. LSU’s national brand has made its players household names.
- A pairing with Bradley. Two elite bigs could form a dominant frontcourt.
What Would Settle It
- Her own words. The announcement itself will likely explain her priorities.
- The roster fit. Whether she sees a clear role at South Carolina or LSU matters most.
- Timing signals. Social media hints in the final 48 hours often reveal a lean.
Bottom Line
South Carolina holds a modest edge on momentum and optics, but LSU’s proximity and the open path to a starring role keep this close. Either choice is defensible for her career, so I’d watch Wednesday’s announcement rather than lean too hard on a percentage.
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