Fans react as Raven Johnson claims women’s basketball players are more skilled than men’s

South Carolina Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson helped the program to a 78-52 victory against the TCU Horned Frogs in the elite eight on Monday night. The win meant that Dawn Staley’s team is headed for the final four for the sixth consecutive season.

However, Johnson sparked controversy with a bold comment before the game. In a conversation with Darien Rencher on the “I Am Athlete” podcast, Johnson said:

“I think women’s basketball is more skilled than men’s basketball, I think so.”

Fans reacted to the Gamecocks star’s bold remark on the podcast.

“Can’t score 4 points in the NBA.”

“She needs to be tested immediately.”

“So bcuz she think women play a more 5 on 5 game, they are more skilled? Wouldn’t that lean more towards less skilled?”

“I’ve watched middle school basketball games better then any wnba game ever so this is a very false statement.”

“I partially agree the men’s game uses more athleticism,.which takes away skill in certain instances women can’t dunk from the free throw line …”

“By what metric ? They don’t shoot better,.they don’t rebound better they just became super skilled, what skills ? Do they compete at a high level yes what skills are we talking about.”

While Johnson grabbed the attention of fans with her bold remark, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year was named the Sacramento 4 Regional Most Outstanding Player (MOP) ahead of the team’s final four appearance.

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Rqven Johnson shared surprise on being named Sacramento 4 Regional MOP

Raven Johnson is enjoying a strong 2026 season and she averaged 14 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists during the Sacramento 4 regional. She was rewarded with the Sacramento 4 Regional Most Outstanding Player (MOP) title for her performances.

Johnson shared her surprise at being named the MOP and credited her teammates for the accolade.

“I was like, ‘Wait. Me?’ I was actually giving it to my teammates like Gotti, Joyce, Ta’Niya… I wouldn’t get that award without my teammates. It’s a team thing. Everybody won Most Outstanding Player.”

Johnson has won the national championship in 2022 and 2024 and is eyeing her third title before heading for the WNBA draft.