Getting to know Destiny Littleton

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS BASKETBALL

The Gamecocks were all set to bring in the best recruiting class in the country but decided to add one more big-time player to it over the summer.

They brought in Destiny LIttleton, who transfers in from Texas to finish out her career.

She recently delved deep into her struggles in Austin, what she could bring this year and what it's like to come in with so many talented freshmen.

Q: How much did Dawn Staley’s success with transfers impact your decision?

DL: Honestly, I really didn’t look into that type of stuff. I did ask about transfers and how she handles them but it was more about my future and what I could do for the program and how she could help me get out of the slump I was in. it was more of that than how she dealt with transfers in the past.

Q: What do you like about Dawn Staley’s coaching style?

DL: She’s about her business and that’s kind of what I grew up with. I told her from the jump that that’s something I need moving forward because I have goals in my life as well; I need somebody to get on me with anything that might not go my way. I need that. She’s about her business but she’s also loving and caring.

Q: What excites about you playing in an atmosphere like the Colonial Life Arena?

DL: I’m super excited. That type of feeling right there, I get chills every time. You cannot get used to that. I’m telling you the first time I play in it, I’ll probably forget my jersey or forget a sock or something. I adjust pretty quickly. That stuff honestly fuels me and fuels my game.

Q: What’s your biggest goal at South Carolina?

DL: First and foremost we want to bring an SEC Championship home again. Coming from the big 12, I already know the SEC is like another level and the competition. Here at South Carolina, I know what the tradition is here. So it’s about bringing that home first and foremost; then, of course, a national championship. That’s been my goal since I was a little kid. I see that here, I see that in this program and it’s one step at a time.

Q: You mentioned a slump, how hard was that to deal with?

DL: Freshman year, you go one of two ways. You’re either the greatest freshman or you’re on the bench and can’t really figure it out. and I was on the bench can’t really figure it out. I couldn’t get myself out of my slump until after freshman year was over. I picked it up my sophomore year but I couldn’t find my game again. I was in a slump and couldn’t figure it out. I needed somebody help me, and Dawn knew that. we kind of came to terms knowing she’ll get on me but this is what I need to get to the next level.

Q: Most highly-rated players don’t really hit slumps in high school, how hard was that to mentally overcome?

DL: Freshman year, I was mentally shot. Mentally I would consider myself over and beyond. I have a high mental capacity but my freshman year; I couldn’t figure it out. I bounced back my sophomore year but things didn’t work out. I lost certain aspects of my game so that mentally drained me. it’s like I was pushing an uphill battle but I’ve already made strides to get that back. With Dawn and the team, they know transferring is not easy. Coming into a whole new program, it’s not the same as a freshman. You’re a junior and you don’t have four years to figure it out. Transferring in, trying to figure out a whole new system with coaches and teammates it’s difficult. I like challenges, so I’m ready to take it on.

Q: Do you feel like your clock’s sped up knowing you don’t have four years to make an impact?

DL: Some would say yes, but I don’t think of it like that.

Q: How do you hope to impact the team if you are able to play?

DL: My game, I score, but I bring more than that. I’m a great team player and my leadership and experience definitely (helps). I just love the team atmosphere and getting excited for one another. I love that. If I’m not scoring, I’m not like, ‘oh man.’ It’s about other people. I bring that. I pick other people up. Regardless of if I’m playing or not.

Q: What’s it like coming in with what’s considered the No. 1 recruiting class in the country?

DL: Everybody’s been in that position. Everybody who goes to high-profile programs is top of their class. Fortunately for us, we have five of them. It’s a little more pressure added to them but they’re a great group of kids and they’re going to be great this year.