Former Big Ten standout Destiny Pitts received a transfer waiver from the NCAA and is eligible to play for Texas A&M this season, the school announced.
A two-time all-conference honoree at Minnesota and the former Big Ten freshman of the year, Pitts was one of the highest-profile transfers still awaiting word on eligibility for the 2020-21 season. The 5-foot-10 guard fills an immediate need for Texas A&M, which is moving on following All-American Chennedy Carter's departure after three seasons to enter the most recent WNBA draft.
"We are very happy to have Destiny eligible to play this season," Texas A&M coach Gary Blair said in a statement. "She is an extremely versatile player and is one of the best 3-point shooters in the entire country."
Pitts averaged 15 points per game in 80 appearances for Minnesota, including 77 starts. She averaged a team-best 16.3 points per game and shot 46% from the 3-point line in 15 games for the Gophers a season ago, but she left the program after Minnesota coach Lindsay Whalen suspended her for "conduct unbecoming of the team."
Pitts subsequently said in a statement that she was told the conduct, which she said was her first disciplinary issue with the program, related to bad body language during a game against Northwestern on Jan. 9. She announced her decision to transfer in January.
"It really means a great deal to me to be granted immediate eligibility this season, especially with everything I have been through during the entire transfer process," Pitts said in a statement. "I was ecstatic when I heard the news because I get to be a part of something bigger than myself here at Texas A&M. I am grateful and excited to be able to play this year with a special group of girls. I also have the opportunity to continue to develop as a player and person under such an experienced and well-rounded coaching staff. I get the chance to realistically compete for a national championship, and you couldn't want much more as a player than that."
Texas A&M will also have the services of former Notre Dame guard Jordan Nixon this season as they look to replace Carter. Nixon sat out last season as a transfer. The Aggies are also seeking waivers for recent transfers Zaay Green and Alexis Morris from Tennessee and Rutgers, respectively.