Destanni Mone Henderson, born on February 2, 1999, in Fort Myers, Florida, has carved a noteworthy path in the world of basketball. From her stellar high school career to her national championship-winning stint at the University of South Carolina, and subsequently navigating the professional ranks of the WNBA and overseas leagues, Henderson has consistently demonstrated her talent and tenacity as a dynamic guard. This article delves into her journey, playing style, achievements, and addresses the key questions and discussions surrounding her on platforms like YouTube and Google as of May 2025.
Early Life and High School Dominance
Henderson’s basketball journey began at a young age, seriously taking hold when she was 11. Growing up playing against boys and male relatives instilled in her a competitive edge and toughness that would become hallmarks of her game. At Fort Myers Senior High School, Henderson established herself as a dominant force. She led her team to three consecutive state championships (2016, 2017, and 2018) and amassed an impressive 1,649 career points. Her exceptional skills and leadership qualities earned her numerous accolades, including being named a McDonald’s All-American in 2018, as well as Florida Miss Basketball and Florida Gatorade Player of the Year in the same year. The News-Press recognized her as their Female Athlete of the Year and Basketball Player of the Year, further solidifying her status as one of the top high school prospects in the nation. ESPN rated her as the number one point guard in her class.
Collegiate Success at South Carolina
Choosing to stay in-state, Henderson committed to the powerhouse program at the University of South Carolina under the guidance of the legendary coach Dawn Staley. Her career as a Gamecock (from 2018 to 2022) was marked by consistent growth and significant contributions to the team’s success.
Key highlights of her college career include:
SEC All-Freshman Team (2019): Immediately making an impact, Henderson earned recognition among the conference’s top newcomers.
Consistent Performer: Over her four years, she played in 129 games, starting in 74. Her career averages stood at 9.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, showcasing her all-around abilities.
Three-Point Threat: Henderson developed into a reliable three-point shooter, finishing her college career with a 37.9% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, ranking fourth in school history. Her 157 made three-pointers also place her eighth in the Gamecocks’ record books.
Floor General Abilities: Her assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.61 ranks third in South Carolina’s career records, highlighting her decision-making and ball security. She also ranks ninth in career assists with 423.
NCAA Tournament Success: Henderson shone on the biggest stage, making the most three-pointers (21) and attempting the most (62) in NCAA Tournament games for the Gamecocks.
National Championship (2022): Her senior season culminated in the ultimate team achievement as South Carolina won the NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship. In the championship game against UConn, Henderson delivered a career-high 26 points, solidifying her legacy as a clutch performer. She was also named to the NCAA All-Tournament team and earned First Team All-SEC honors in her senior year.
All-American Recognition: The USBWA recognized her outstanding senior season by naming her a Third-Team All-American.
Her time at South Carolina not only showcased her individual talents but also her ability to contribute to a winning culture, making her a highly sought-after prospect for the WNBA.
Professional Career in the WNBA: Navigating Opportunities
Destanni Henderson was drafted in the second round (20th overall) of the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. Since entering the league, she has navigated various opportunities and challenges, showcasing her adaptability and perseverance.
WNBA Journey:
Indiana Fever (2022-2023): Henderson played in all 36 games during her rookie season with the Fever, even earning five starting appearances. She demonstrated her scoring potential, highlighted by a 19-point performance. However, she was waived by the Fever on May 16, 2023.
Los Angeles Sparks (2023): Finding another opportunity, Henderson signed a hardship contract with the Los Angeles Sparks on June 16, 2023. During her time with the Sparks until the All-Star break, she provided valuable contributions, including an 18-point game. Her contract ended on July 16, 2023, when an injured player was activated.
Phoenix Mercury (2023): Demonstrating her desire to stay in the league, Henderson signed two consecutive 7-day contracts with the Phoenix Mercury in August 2023. While these short-term deals provided opportunities, she was not re-signed at the conclusion of the second contract.
Atlanta Dream (2024): In 2024, Henderson signed a training camp contract with the Atlanta Dream. Although she played in two preseason games, she did not make the final roster and was waived on May 10, 2024. Showing resilience once again, she signed two consecutive 7-day hardship contracts with the Dream in July 2024, providing short-term support to the team.
While her WNBA career has involved short stints with multiple teams, Henderson has consistently shown flashes of her potential, particularly her scoring ability and playmaking. Discussions on YouTube often revolve around whether she will find a more permanent role in the league and what kind of impact she could have with sustained opportunity. Some fans believe she possesses the skills to be a valuable backup point guard, providing a spark off the bench with her quickness and offensive capabilities.
Overseas Experience: Expanding Her Game
In addition to her WNBA endeavors, Destanni Henderson has gained valuable experience playing professionally overseas, further developing her skills and broadening her horizons.
Antalya BSB Toroslar BC (Turkey, 2023-2024): Henderson signed with the Turkish Women’s Basketball Super League (KBSL) and EuroCup team Antalya BSB Toroslar BC. Playing in a different competitive environment allowed her to take on a significant role and further hone her offensive game.
Danilo’s Pizza (Turkey, 2024-2025): For the 2024-2025 season, Henderson continued her journey in the Turkish Super League, signing with Danilo’s Pizza. Statistics from this season indicate a strong offensive output, averaging 18.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game over 20 games. This demonstrates her ability to be a primary playmaker and scorer for a team. Her EuroCup Women experience with Antalya also saw her average an impressive 20.7 points per game in 4 appearances.
Her success overseas showcases her adaptability to different playing styles and her ability to thrive in a leading role. This international experience could prove invaluable as she continues to pursue opportunities in the WNBA.
National Team Career: Representing the USA
Destanni Henderson has also proudly represented the United States on the international stage. Her national team experience includes:
2016 FIBA U17 World Championship: She was part of the team that won a bronze medal, averaging 7.1 points and a team-high 5.0 assists per game.
2021 FIBA AmeriCup: Henderson won a gold medal with the USA team, contributing 5.5 points and 3.7 assists per game.
2015 U16 National Team Trials: She also participated in trials for the U16 national team.
Her involvement with USA Basketball highlights her talent and potential, recognized at the national level.
Current Status and Future Prospects
As of May 2025, Destanni Henderson is playing for Danilo’s Pizza in the Turkish Super League, where she is demonstrating her capabilities as a high-scoring and playmaking guard. Her recent strong performances overseas could potentially open doors for future opportunities in the WNBA. Many fans and analysts believe that with the right fit and sustained playing time, Henderson has the talent and drive to become a valuable contributor in the league. Her journey so far showcases her resilience and determination to succeed at the highest levels of professional basketball.
FAQs
Who is Destanni Henderson?
Destanni Mone Henderson is an American professional basketball player known for her dynamic play as a guard. Born on February 2, 1999, in Fort Myers, Florida, she gained prominence during her collegiate career at the University of South Carolina, where she played a pivotal role in securing a national championship. Post-college, she has played in the WNBA and internationally.
What were her achievements at the University of South Carolina?
At South Carolina, Henderson was instrumental in the Gamecocks’ success:
She helped the team clinch the 2022 NCAA National Championship, scoring a career-high 26 points in the title game against UConn.
She ranks third in the program’s history for career assist-to-turnover ratio (1.61) and ninth in career assists (423).
Her 157 made three-pointers place her eighth in school history, with a 37.9% three-point shooting percentage, ranking fourth.
When was she drafted into the WNBA, and by which team?
Destanni Henderson was selected in the second round as the 20th overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the 2022 WNBA Draft.
Which teams has she played for professionally?
Since entering the WNBA, Henderson has played for:
Indiana Fever (2022–2023)
Los Angeles Sparks (2023)
Phoenix Mercury (2023)
Atlanta Dream (2024)
Additionally, she has played internationally for Danilo’s Pizza in the Turkish Super League.
What are her WNBA career statistics?
Over her WNBA career, Henderson has averaged:
4.8 points per game
1.4 rebounds per game
2.3 assists per game
0.6 steals per game
Has she received any notable accolades?
Yes, during her senior year at South Carolina, Henderson earned First-Team All-Southeastern Conference honors.
What is her playing style or strengths on the court?
Henderson is recognized for her speed, agility, and sharp shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. Her ability to control the game’s tempo and distribute the ball effectively makes her a valuable asset at the guard position.
Is she active on social media?
Yes, Destanni Henderson maintains an active presence on social media platforms. Her X (formerly Twitter) handle is @dh3nny, where she shares insights into her professional journey and personal life.
What is her current status in professional basketball?
As of 2024, Henderson signed a seven-day contract with the Atlanta Dream, marking her return to the WNBA. She continues to pursue opportunities both in the WNBA and international leagues.
What is her background before college?
Before her collegiate career, Henderson attended Fort Myers High School in Florida, where she was a standout player, earning national recognition and setting the stage for her successful tenure at South Carolina.
To conclude
Destanni Henderson’s journey from a promising high school talent in Fort Myers to a national champion at the University of South Carolina and a professional basketball player exemplifies dedication, resilience, and passion for the game. Her collegiate achievements, including a national championship and individual accolades, highlight her impact on the court. Transitioning into the professional realm, Henderson has showcased her skills across multiple WNBA teams and international leagues, adapting to various playing styles and challenges.
Beyond her on-court prowess, Henderson’s active engagement with fans through social media offers a glimpse into her personality and commitment to inspiring the next generation of athletes. As she continues to evolve in her professional career, her story serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous growth. Fans and aspiring players alike can look to Destanni Henderson as a role model who embodies the spirit of determination and excellence in women’s basketball.
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