Wisconsin Transfer Destiny Howell Declares for 2026 WNBA Draft Following Badgers Season

Destiny Howell has taken the next step toward her professional basketball dreams, officially declaring for the 2026 WNBA Draft following her senior season with the Wisconsin Badgers.

The versatile guard announced her decision via Instagram, writing: "I'm excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2026 WNBA draft. Ever since I was 9 years old, it's been my dream to play professional basketball. I'm finally stepping into that moment, trusting wherever god takes me. Ready to work."

Howell's declaration marks the culmination of a remarkable five-year collegiate journey that began at Howard University before transferring to Madison for her final campaign. Her single season in Wisconsin proved memorable, averaging 14.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while helping guide the Badgers through an extraordinary postseason run.

The transfer proved particularly meaningful for Wisconsin, as Howell became a key contributor during the team's miraculous Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) appearance. The Badgers snapped a demoralizing 10-game losing streak and rode the momentum all the way to the WBIT semifinals, providing a fairy-tale ending to what had been a challenging season.

Howell's collegiate statistics tell the story of a prolific scorer who embraced the modern three-point revolution. Over her five-year career, she accumulated 1,924 points while maintaining a 38% field goal percentage. Perhaps most notably, 900 of her 1,810 career field goal attempts came from beyond the arc, demonstrating her commitment to perimeter shooting.

Her three-point accuracy of 33.8% over five seasons positioned her as a legitimate threat from distance, a skill highly valued in today's WNBA landscape. Her career-high scoring average of 16.8 points per game came during the 2022-23 season at Howard, while her best rebounding (4.3) and assist (2.6) numbers both occurred during her final collegiate season.

The timing of Howell's declaration couldn't be better for aspiring professional players. The WNBA continues expanding its financial opportunities, with contract values reaching unprecedented heights. This growth creates additional incentive for talented collegians to pursue their professional ambitions rather than extend their amateur careers.

Howell expressed gratitude for her support system throughout the journey, adding in her announcement: "I appreciate everyone who's been part of the journey and supported me along the way."

Her path from Howard to Wisconsin exemplifies the modern transfer portal era, where players seek optimal situations to showcase their talents. The move to Madison provided Howell with a fresh start and the opportunity to contribute to a program hungry for postseason success.

As she prepares for the pre-draft process, Howell brings several attractive qualities to professional scouts. Her perimeter shooting ability addresses a constant WNBA need, while her experience across multiple programs demonstrates adaptability. Her role in Wisconsin's WBIT run showcased her ability to perform under pressure during meaningful games.

The 2026 WNBA Draft represents a crucial opportunity for Howell to achieve her childhood dream. With professional basketball salaries continuing their upward trajectory and the league's popularity soaring, the timing appears ideal for talented players like Howell to make their mark at the highest level.

As she embarks on this next chapter, Howell carries with her the experiences gained from five years of collegiate competition and the confidence built during Wisconsin's unexpected tournament success.