Atlanta Dream Select Madina Okot in First Round of 2026 WNBA Draft

The South Carolina center was taken with the No. 13 overall pick.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:33am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of red, white, and blue colors representing the Atlanta Dream's team colors.The Atlanta Dream's selection of Madina Okot in the 2026 WNBA Draft represents the team's commitment to building a diverse, talented roster for the future.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Dream have selected South Carolina center Madina Okot in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft. Okot, who spent just one season with the Gamecocks, was taken with the No. 13 overall pick after posting averages of 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season.

Why it matters

Okot's selection by the Dream highlights her rapid development as a basketball player, having only started playing the sport in recent years. Her ability to contribute immediately as a rookie will be crucial for an Atlanta team looking to return to the playoffs.

The details

Okot transferred to South Carolina after spending the 2024-25 season at Mississippi State, where she averaged 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Prior to that, the Kenya native played college basketball in her home country for two seasons. This past year with the Gamecocks, Okot added a 3-point shot to her game, shooting 44.8% from behind the arc.

  • Okot was selected by the Atlanta Dream in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2026.
  • Okot spent the 2025-26 season at the University of South Carolina.

The players

Madina Okot

A center who was selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft after spending one season at the University of South Carolina, where she averaged 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the University of South Carolina women's basketball team, who praised Okot's growth and contributions to the program.

Rebecca Lobo

An ESPN analyst who described Okot as one of the more exciting prospects in the 2026 WNBA Draft, noting her rapid development in the sport.

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What they’re saying

“Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue just the sport, but also to better her life. Her path included just a short time with us in Columbia, but we are grateful to be part of her story. She made our team and our sport better.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, University of South Carolina

“She's been playing basketball for what, like five or six years? She is relatively new to the game. And I think for a lot of people, they know that this young woman is not even close to touching what she can be as a professional player. So I think that excites people.”

— Rebecca Lobo, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

Okot will now join the Atlanta Dream roster and begin preparing for her rookie season in the WNBA.

The takeaway

Madina Okot's selection in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft is a testament to her rapid development as a basketball player, having only started playing the sport in recent years. Her potential to grow and contribute immediately to the Atlanta Dream makes her an exciting prospect for the future of the league.