Atlanta Dream's 'Walking Double-Double' Draft Pick Excites Angel Reese

South Carolina's Madina Okot, a 6-foot-6 senior, was selected 13th overall by the Dream, drawing praise from the team's newest star.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:19am

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, featuring the powerful, dynamic movements of a female basketball player, with her face and jersey details dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.The Atlanta Dream's selection of Madina Okot, a towering 6-foot-6 forward, has ignited excitement for the team's future as they look to build around their new star acquisitions.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Dream selected South Carolina's Madina Okot with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, drawing excitement from the team's newest star, Angel Reese. Okot, a 6-foot-6 senior, averaged a double-double for the Gamecocks last season, scoring 12.1 points and pulling down 10.6 rebounds per game. Reese, who the Dream acquired in a trade with the Sky last week, expressed her approval on social media, calling Okot a 'walking double-double' and saying 'Let's go!'

Why it matters

The Dream's selection of Okot is seen as a key move to help fill the void left by Brittney Griner's departure to the Connecticut Sun via free agency. Okot's size and rebounding ability are expected to make an immediate impact on the team, and her potential to develop further has the Dream's coaching staff excited about her future.

The details

Okot, a 6-foot-6 senior, averaged a double-double for South Carolina last season, scoring 12.1 points and pulling down 10.6 rebounds per game. She also added 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals while shooting 57.5 percent from the field. Dream general manager Dan Padover cited Okot's size and potential as the key factors in the team's decision to select her with the 13th overall pick.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft took place on April 14, 2026.

The players

Angel Reese

The newest star player for the Atlanta Dream, acquired in a trade with the Chicago Sky last week.

Madina Okot

A 6-foot-6 senior from the University of South Carolina, selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Dan Padover

The general manager of the Atlanta Dream.

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What they’re saying

“'YAY! MADINA!!! Another walking double double!! LET'S GOOOO!!!'”

— Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream Player

“'I mean, at that size, to be able to crash the boards, she's learned to stretch the floor, very talented and skilled. [She] just started playing basketball pretty recently, so we're just starting to see what she can do. And I think the ceiling is very far away from where she's at right now. And you know, Karl [Smesko] and the coaches are just really excited to work with her and get started.'”

— Dan Padover, Atlanta Dream General Manager

“'I was just so excited for the moment' of getting picked.”

— Madina Okot

What’s next

The Atlanta Dream will look to integrate Madina Okot into their roster and coaching system as they prepare for the upcoming WNBA season, with the goal of helping her develop her skills and reach her full potential.

The takeaway

The Atlanta Dream's selection of Madina Okot, a talented and versatile 6-foot-6 forward, has generated significant excitement within the organization and among their fans, particularly from newly acquired star Angel Reese. Okot's size, rebounding ability, and potential for growth make her a valuable addition to the Dream's roster as they look to build a championship-contending team.