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South Carolina

South Carolina guard invited to Kelsey Plum's "Dawg Class"

by: Kevin Miller04/10/25kevinbmiller52
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) reacts after defeating the Texas Longhorns during the semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) reacts after defeating the Texas Longhorns during the semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, WNBA star Kelsey Plum announced this year’s group of invitees to her annual “Dawg Class.” South Carolina women’s basketball guard Tessa Johnson made the cut.

In conjunction with Under Armour, Plum invited 12 guards this year. Some are graduates, while others are underclassmen. All of them have legitimate chances at a future playing professionally.

Plum and her team will help the Dawg Class learn how to transition from the college game to the WNBA by providing them with tools to help navigate both the on-court (drills with coaches, trainers, and professional players) and off-court (physical and mental health coaching, professional development) aspects of becoming a professional.

The now-Los Angeles Sparks star uses her connections in the sport to make a substantial impact on the future of the game of women’s basketball. Because she didn’t get the support she needed during her ascent to the pro level, Plum has been giving back in this way the past three offseasons.

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Johnson’s Gamecock teammates MiLaysia Fulwiley and Raven Johnson (twice) have been part of previous classes. Fulwiley attended in 2024, while (Raven) Johnson went in both 2023 and 2024.

This season for South Carolina, Johnson averaged 8.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. She also shot 47.4% from the field, 43% from the 3-point arc, and 82.5% from the free throw line.

Heading into the 2025-2026 season, Johnson will be a junior and part of a loaded backcourt. Combining with Raven Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Maddy McDaniel, transfer portal commitment Ta’Niya Latson, and incoming freshmen wings Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell, Johnson will be part of one of the most impressive perimeter groups in the country.

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