Diamond Johnson didn’t hear her identify known as on WNBA Draft night time. The cameras by no means lower to her front room. No spotlight montage. No hat. Simply silence.
However in the event you’re acquainted with Diamond, you recognize she’s not the sort to flinch at a closed door. Yesterday, it was reported that the 2024-25 MEAC Participant of the 12 months is heading to Minnesota Lynx coaching camp, undeterred and undrafted, with a chip on her shoulder and a killer crossover to name house about.
She posted averages of 18.9 factors, 6.1 boards, 4.1 assists, and three.6 steals this season for Norfolk State; Johnson was electrical. She led the Spartans by means of a season laced with spotlight reels and {hardware}. Most anticipated Johnson—a top-six recruit in her 2020 class behind Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, Caitlin Clark, and Kamilla Cardoso—would land someplace within the second spherical. As a substitute, she watched as names rolled off the board and hers by no means got here.
The omission was controversial. Some pointed to her 5-foot-5 body, others to her choice to complete her collegiate profession at an HBCU. Social media erupted with rightful indignation—pointing to her stats, her management, and her plain sport.
After their season-ending loss to Maryland within the NCAA Match, now-former NSU coach Larry Vickers caught up for Johnson’s professional inventory. “I’ve watched her go from seventh within the first spherical, when she received to me, and drop and drop and drop and drop, and I do not know why… She’s tremendous particular,” Vickers mentioned.
However, Diamond doesn’t do pity events. She did what she is aware of greatest, and that’s work.
Minnesota, maybe, noticed what the league didn’t, providing the type of alternative you possibly can’t pretend your method by means of. The Lynx, recent off a 30-10 marketing campaign and a visit to the WNBA semifinals, aren’t only a “glad to be right here” crew. They’re perennial contenders. A machine in want of items that produce. A participant like Johnson, sharp and poised and able to disrupt, would possibly simply be what retains that engine buzzing.
Her path right here was something however standard. From Rutgers to NC State to Norfolk State, Diamond’s journey zigzagged by means of the Energy 5 and into the guts of HBCU excellence. At each cease, she left her fingerprints on field scores, locker rooms, and opposing scouting experiences.
Now, she steps into the crucible that’s WNBA coaching camp—one of many hardest proving grounds in all of professional sports activities. No ensures. Only a ball, a apply jersey, and an opportunity.
Should you’re in search of a heartwarming story about diligence, you’ve discovered it. Should you’re in search of a hooper with one thing to show and every little thing to achieve, that’s Diamond. And in the event you’re questioning whether or not she belongs within the W, ask the defenders who couldn’t keep in entrance of her, or the coaches who game-planned round her.
Diamond Johnson didn’t want a draft night time highlight to shine. She’s all the time made her personal mild.