Kenyan Standout Madina Okot Poised for WNBA Draft

ESPN Analyst Rebecca Lobo Praises Okot's Rapid Rise and Immense Potential

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:52pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors that breaks down a basketball game or match into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, conceptually representing Madina Okot's journey to the WNBA Draft.Okot's unique path to the WNBA Draft is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the game of basketball.Atlanta Today

Madina Okot, a Kenyan basketball player who only started playing the sport a few years ago, has emerged as a standout prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft. ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo has highlighted Okot's impressive skills, stats, and potential, predicting she could be a late first-round or early second-round pick.

Why it matters

Okot's story showcases the global reach of basketball and the potential for talent to emerge from unexpected places. Her journey from Kenya to the United States and now the WNBA draft is a testament to the power of sport to provide opportunities and bring people together.

The details

Okot began playing basketball in 2020 at Zetech University in Kenya before transferring to Mississippi State and then South Carolina, where she became an All-SEC second-team selection and a finalist for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award. She averaged a double-double with 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, leading the SEC in rebounds. Okot also added a 3-point shot to her arsenal, making 44.8% of her attempts from beyond the arc.

  • Okot began playing basketball in 2020.
  • She transferred to Mississippi State for her junior season in 2021.
  • Okot transferred to South Carolina for the 2022-23 season, where she had her standout year.

The players

Madina Okot

A Kenyan basketball player who has emerged as a standout prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft after only starting to play the sport a few years ago.

Rebecca Lobo

An ESPN analyst who has praised Okot's rapid rise and immense potential ahead of the 2026 WNBA Draft.

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What they’re saying

“She's not even close to touching what she can be as a professional player.”

— Rebecca Lobo, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

Okot is expected to be selected in the late first round or early second round of the 2026 WNBA Draft, with some mock drafts projecting her to be chosen by the Atlanta Dream or the Connecticut Sun.

The takeaway

Madina Okot's story is a testament to the global reach of basketball and the potential for talent to emerge from unexpected places. Her rapid rise and impressive skills, despite only starting to play the sport a few years ago, have made her an intriguing prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft.