Latest news with #DiamondJohnson
Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
WNBA expansion opens new doors for HBCU Hoopers
The WNBA is growing, and that's major news for the game-and for HBCU athletes aiming to break through to the professional ranks. On Monday, the WNBA announced it's adding three new franchises, bringing the league to a record 18 teams. Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit joins in 2029, and Philadelphia will tip off in 2030. This follows the addition of the Golden State Valkyries this season and two previously announced expansion teams set to launch next year in Toronto, Canada, and Portland, Oregon. The league's decision comes after its most successful season to date-shattering records for viewership, attendance, and merchandise sales. According to the WNBA, the cities were chosen based on factors like market strength, ownership commitment, fan support, corporate backing, and community investment. This expansion isn't just about adding teams-it's about creating space in a league where roster spots have historically been hard to come by. That's especially true for players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), who have often found their professional dreams blocked by the numbers game. Recent cases prove how tight the window has been. Norfolk State's Diamond Johnson, one of the most electrifying guards in the country, signed a training camp contract with the Minnesota Lynx after going undrafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Despite her talent, Johnson was waived before the season began. Zaay Green, a former UAPB standout who finished her college career at Alabama, was drafted 32nd overall by the Washington Mystics. Unfortunately, she didn't make the final roster. These stories aren't isolated-they're part of a long-standing challenge for HBCU athletes looking to enter the W. With more teams on the horizon, there's hope that the path to the pros will finally start to widen. HBCU programs like Jackson State, Norfolk State, and Howard have shown they can produce elite talent. Now, with the WNBA creating more opportunities, that talent may have more room to shine. As the league continues to grow-with MVP favorites like Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces leading the charge-the future looks bright not just for the WNBA, but for the next wave of HBCU hoopers ready to make their mark. The post WNBA expansion opens new doors for HBCU Hoopers appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Diamond Johnson makes next move following WNBA release
The post Diamond Johnson makes next move following WNBA release appeared first on ClutchPoints. After being waived by the Minnesota Lynx, Diamond Johnson is making her next move to further her professional basketball career. According to Kyle T. Mosley of HBCU Legends, Johnson has signed a deal to join the Hefei team in the Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) this fall. Advertisement The Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) is China's top professional women's basketball league. Founded in 2002, it serves as the women's equivalent to the Chinese Basketball Association. Johnson's inclusion in the league means that she will compete amongst the best women's basketball players in China and get significant professional experience. Johnson was arguably the most surprising omission from last month's WNBA Draft. Johnson, alongside fellow Spartans star Kierra Wheeler, helped lead the team to a program-record 30 wins, a perfect conference record, and the MEAC regular season and tournament titles. The Spartans, who were undefeated in conference play, won 19 consecutive games entering the NCAA Tournament, with the winning streak starting in late December with a victory at Auburn. Johnson also showed her immense skill in Norfolk State's March Madness first-round matchup against Maryland, in which she finished with 18 points and four three-pointers made in her team's 82-69 loss. Johnson proved herself as a dynamic shot creator and was on the radar of the larger college basketball world, winning numerous awards in-season for her play and was named to several awards watch lists. The talented guard started her career as a five-star recruit in the same 2020 class as Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and Kamilla Cardoso. She was, in fact, ranked the sixth best player in that class. While in her college journey, she had stints at Rutgers and North Carolina State before eventually landing at Norfolk State. At each of her stops, she showed her five-star level talent. Advertisement As a freshman at Rutgers, she averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, earning spots on the All-Big Ten Second Team and the All-Freshman Team. At North Carolina State, she was named the 2022 ACC Sixth Woman of the Year as a sophomore. In her junior season, despite being limited to 22 games due to an ankle injury, she earned second-team All-ACC honors, averaging 12.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 41.6% from the field. She then transferred to Norfolk State and continued her streak of success. During her time with the program, she led the Spartans to back-to-back conference championships and consecutive March Madness appearances, where the team played Stanford and Maryland, respectively. Related: Dawn Thornton, Alabama A&M land former Pac-12 assistant Related: Grambling ends formal relationship with Grambling University Foundation
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
