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Mississippi State

Destiney McPhaul set for new role with Mississippi State in senior year

3rupauk8_400x400by: Robbie Faulk10/09/25RobbieFaulkOn3
destiney mcphaul6
Destiney McPhaul (Photo by Mississippi State Athletics)

A year after Destiney McPhaul entered the program at Mississippi State, so much has changed.

McPhaul came to a team that was filled with new faces last year and that squad came together to get the Bulldogs to a second-round game in the NCAA Tournament. She went from a role player on the team to an important piece by the end of the year and now she’s as critical as anyone as she enters her senior season.

Most of the players from last year’s team are now either wearing other uniforms or graduated. McPhaul is one of three returners from last year’s roster and has assumed responsibilities as a team leader, but she expects some of the same big things.

“It’s a great team with great teammates. We all work well together and have been having fun on and off the court,” McPhaul said. “Coming in last year, it was a brand new team too, but I wasn’t here (the year before). Returning and knowing the expectations, I know what it’s like and how the fans are like so it’s pretty easy.”

McPhaul looking to build on strong finish to the year

McPhaul started in 65 games over two seasons at Northwest Florida State College and her impact was strong. The NJCAA picked her as a First-Team All-American as she led the squad to a National Championship appearance with 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists a game.

It took some time for her to get acclimated at State a season ago, but she showed plenty of promise. In 31 games, McPhaul was a key bench player and averaged 8.1 points per contest in 22.1 minutes with 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists. She hit 38% of her 3-pointers, 82% of her free throws and 47% from the field as she was a consistent force when she entered the game.

McPhaul had double digits in 14 of her contests but her biggest moment came in the SEC Tournament. In what was essentially an NCAA Tournament clinching moment against Missouri, McPhaul spearheaded an unbelievable turnaround in the game scoring 19 points in 29 minutes on 7-of-9 shooting with 4-of-5 makes from three. Her third quarter was magical as State outscored the Tigers 24-8 and eventually won the game 75-55 after trailing by 10 points.

“That’s the number one junior college player in the country,” Purcell said of McPhaul. “That game against Missouri I think we all remember where she just flat out got hot and stepped up in a huge part of the year. She’s put in great work and is off to a great start this summer. She’s a dynamic scorer and one who complimented Eniya (Russell) and Jerk and that’s someone I can see coming in with more shot opportunities and a larger role if she keeps it up.”

That role will certainly increase this year for McPhaul as she’s expected to start and play a versatile piece to the Bulldog offense and defense. No longer will McPhaul be asked to run the point – although she can – as the senior will now be playing both the guard and wing spots.

As electric as McPhaul showed last year, she is more comfortable playing off the ball and can pick up some of the slack left by the massive hole in the lineup that is Jerkaila Jordan’s exit. The leadership side of things will be another area that McPhaul can help this year’s team and it will be needed with so many new faces.

“It’s changed tremendously,” McPhaul said. “I’m very versatile and will do whatever my team needs me to do to get the win. I’m a returner and have been here before so I’m leading by example.

“Just knowing coach Purcell’s expectations. I’ve been here before and know what it’s like to play at this level. Lead by example, be there for whatever they need. We have a great team, on and off the court. Everyone is well-connected and we flow together perfectly. It’s amazing and I can’t wait for y’all to watch it.”

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