Dawn Staley Makes Cameo With Raven Johnson During Fever's Tunnel Walk

Dawn Staley, the iconic South Carolina head women’s basketball coach, and her star guard Raven Johnson were inseparable during Johnson’s five seasons with the Gamecocks.

Johnson departed South Carolina with a 145-9 overall record, including two national championships, with the ninth loss coming in her final game. UCLA dominated South Carolina to win the national championship last month.

The Indiana Fever drafted Johnson 10th overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13, and Staley was on hand to support her.

Johnson is fully embedded with the Fever now, but she and Staley are still inseparable.

The Fever hosted the Nigerian national team for their final WNBA preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday. Johnson arrived at the tunnel while on FaceTime with Staley.

“She wants to be part of our tunnel fit, guys,” Johnson told the camera, as seen in this video posted by the Fever on X.

The camera zoomed in on Johnson’s phone, and a virtual Staley yelled, “Tunnel fit, baby! Let’s go, Fever!”

Johnson made her Fever debut in their first preseason game against the New York Liberty last Saturday. She posted six points (3-for-3 shooting), eight assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in 18 minutes off the bench. Staley liked what she saw.

"@HollywoodRaven I know it's only a WNBA preseason game, but baby, you look comfortable," Staley posted on X. "You are and have been built for the moment. Elite defender. Check! Elite PG. Check! Elite playmaker. Check! I am filled with joy & proudness watching you play! @IndianaFever you got a real 1!”

The Fever will open their 2026 regular season against the Dallas Wings next Saturday, May 9.

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 8:03 PM.