Fast-rising Kenyan basketballer drafted by Atlanta Dream in historic WNBA breakthrough
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 14.04.26. | 08:08
Having only started playing basketball in 2020, she has quickly evolved into a modern center, adding a reliable perimeter shot to her game
Kenyan-born center Madina Okot has officially taken the next step in her remarkable basketball journey after being selected 13th overall in the first round of the WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream on Monday, 13 April.
The ceremony, held at The Shed in New York, confirmed Okot’s transition to the professional ranks following an outstanding collegiate career with the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball.
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Standing at 6-foot-6, Okot leaves college basketball as one of the most dominant post players in the game.
In her final season, she averaged a double-double, posting 12.8 points and an SEC-leading 10.6 rebounds per game.
She capped off her NCAA career with 22 double-doubles, ranking third nationally while helping the Gamecocks to an impressive 36-4 record and a Final Four appearance.
Her selection also carries historic significance for the South Carolina program.
Okot became the first post player from the team to be picked in the first round since Kamilla Cardoso in 2024, and one of the few frontcourt players in recent years to make such an impact.
Okot was the second Gamecock to hear her name called on the night.
Her move to the WNBA comes after the NCAA denied her application for an additional year of eligibility, confirming that she had exhausted her collegiate career.
Despite the setback, Okot exits the college scene with her stock at an all-time high.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley praised Okot’s journey, highlighting both her resilience and rapid development.
“Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue the sport, but also to better her life. While her time in Columbia was short, she significantly improved the team,” Staley said.
Indeed, Okot’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Having only started playing basketball in 2020, she has quickly evolved into a modern center, adding a reliable perimeter shot to her game.
This season, she shot an impressive 44.8 percent from beyond the arc, a rare asset for a player of her size.
Analysts noted that Atlanta’s decision was driven by both her current ability and long-term potential, with the franchise looking to strengthen its defensive presence while investing in a player whose ceiling continues to rise.
Elsewhere in the draft, attention is expected to turn to top prospects such as Azzi Fudd of UConn, who is projected to go first overall to the Dallas Wings.
Other highly rated talents in the 2026 class include Awa Fam, Lauren Betts, and Olivia Miles.
The Seattle Storm are also expected to play a key role in the draft, with projections linking them to TCU forward Marta Suarez with the 14th overall pick.
For Okot, however, the spotlight firmly belongs to her.