Can't run from Destiny: Rutgers women's basketball star player returns
You can dread it or run from it. It doesn't matter because destiny arrives all the same.
The Rutgers women's basketball team's leading scorer from last season returns for her second year on the Banks. Senior guard and forward Destiny Adams is back to captain a Scarlet Knights team looking to bounce back in 2024.
Hailing from Manchester, New Jersey, Adams was a former Gatorade New Jersey Girls Basketball Player of the Year and the 20th-ranked player in ESPNW's Class of 2021 rankings. After a legendary high school career in Jersey, she took her talents to North Carolina.
Adams played a limited role off the bench in her two years as a Tar Heel before transferring to come to play for hometown Rutgers and head coach Coquese Washington.
Her junior year was truly a breakout season. The coaches and the media named her Second-Team All-Big Ten and honored her with an honorable mention. She started all 32 games and impressively led the team in points, rebounds, and steals in her first year with the Knights.
Adams was left off all of the Big Ten Preseason Honors lists in her senior year. But, she has assumed the role of pseudo-captain along with graduate student center Chyna Cornwell for this year's squad as they look to bounce back after a dreadful 8-24 record last season.
"Two players who really, really embrace the notion of camaraderie, and chemistry, and sisterhood, and having a bond," Washington said. "You walk into practice you're probably going to see Destiny hugging somebody."
This year's roster is revamped with exciting incoming players like freshman guard Kiyomi McMiller. Adams and McMiller were dynamic in their first in-game action together, combining for 45 points in an exhibition versus Caldwell. Adams finished with 24 of those points and grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double, a feat she accomplished eight times throughout last season. In addition, Adams impressed with seven 20-point games last season, showcasing her ability to drive into the paint and find the hoop.
Being an experienced member of the program and college basketball as a whole comes not only with an expectation of a certain level of play on the court but also with the honor of leading the team day in and day out. Adams has been known to be energetic around the locker room and during practice.
"I just always want to make sure my teammates know I'm always there for them," Adams said. "Sometimes basketball can get a little too serious. We need to still have fun."
On the court, Adams' ability to score and tenacious rebounding make her the workhorse of the Rutgers offense. Coming in second in offensive rebounds across the Big Ten last season provides the offense with plenty of secondary chances. And with even more talent around her, Adams is expected to be the driving force of the Knights offensive attack once again.
Rutgers has been searching for another appearance in the NCAA tournament since the 2020-2021 season. If this is the year the Knights return, it will take key contributions from their talented, veteran leader, Adams.
"I know what I'm capable of and I have a great support system with my teammates and coaches," Adams said. "I think that's all I really need."
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