GREENVILLE – Between the smiles and confetti covering the South Carolina locker room after winning the SEC women’s basketball tournament on March 8, Destiny Littleton sprawled in his chair. She got up quickly.
She had already sat down for a long time.
“Personally, it has been a little difficult for me mentally. When you take something from someone she loves so much, you will obviously reach those low points, ”said Littleton. “But being with this team definitely helped me to fight those battles that I had with myself and only tonight did I see the positive side of everything. My sisters have been with me in everything. “
All 11 Gamecocks on the active list became familiar to the public when the team climbed to the top of the polls. The USC dominated the season so much that even the players at the end of the bench had plenty of time to play.
Except Littleton. The Texas transfer has taken a tortuous path to court since it signed with the USC in May.
A McDonald’s All-American from San Diego, Littleton was the Gatorade Player of the Year in California, after averaging 42 points per game in high school. Originally committed to Southern Cal, Littleton was released from her letter of intent after a change of coach and chose Texas.
Still, she struggled to adjust to college life and the game. Minor injuries and, as she admitted, her personal attitude affected her productivity.
She returned to Texas in 2017-18, then started 12 of the 33 games in 2018-19. But something was still missing and a new start at USC beckoned.
Dawn Staley was delighted with her new acquisition. She said several times that the 2019-20 Gamecocks needed Littleton, which is why in the preseason she signed up for the NCAA for immediate eligibility.
The request was denied. But three days later, the decision was discussed.
“Stress fractures just happen,” said Littleton.
The guard had two wounds, each on the navicular bone on top of each foot. Even if she had been released, she couldn’t have played.
His daily routine was limited to hiking boots and a motorized scooter to get around the campus. “I haven’t carried any weight for, I mean, 10 weeks,” she said. “It was definitely life changing.”
She slowly regained her strength and is able to shoot jumpers while in place, walking to the next point instead of chasing the rebound. She posted a video on April 3 of her progress, which showed glimpses of why she would be playing an important role, the Gamecocks next season.
I know it’s not flashy … but I’m proud of this progress 💪🏽 almost there pic.twitter.com/GlQcJvtjS1
– Destiny Littleton (@ dstnylttltn24) April 4, 2020
“I’m almost there, I feel strong and ready to go,” she said. “I feel like I can do sprints, but the doctors are there for a reason.”
“We just remember her being on the scooter all last season. Now we see it standing, ”said Staley. “I think it will have a big impact on our program. Her ability to stretch the floor, she is a communicator on the floor. When she is able to play full time, she will have the best part of her college career during this season. “
What helped Littleton personally during a long season without basketball was being close to his teammates. She was not able to play, but she was a voice in the locker room and a guiding hand for some of the younger Gamecocks players.
“I have a lot going on in my head right now, trying to be there for them, but also trying to focus on preparing for the summer,” said Littleton. “It has definitely been a journey of ups and downs for me, but we are almost there.”
She fought the frustration of not being able to play, enjoying the second chance she received. This is in life and in basketball.
Littleton is also paying back by collaborating with three Skidmore (NY) College students on the Better As One movement. The four are trying to raise $ 10,000 to help people with disabilities get the help they need during the coronavirus pandemic.
“You are put in a situation where people are in for the rest of their lives. Fortunately, I was able to get out and see my feet again, walk, put one foot in front of the other, ”said Littleton. “It opened my eyes and I will definitely love the game once again when I get back on the court.”
Follow David Cloninger on Twitter @DCPandC.