South Carolina's Madina Okot Drafted 12th Overall by Atlanta Dream

Okot, a rising star with only one season of college experience, will join former Gamecock Allisha Gray on the Dream roster.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:24am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a basketball player's movements and skills broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the raw potential and versatility of a rising WNBA prospect.Okot's versatile game and raw potential are on full display in this cubist-inspired illustration, hinting at the rising star's bright future in the WNBA.Atlanta Today

Madina Okot, a standout forward for the University of South Carolina women's basketball team, was selected 12th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday night. Okot, who previously played one season at Mississippi State, impressed WNBA teams with her potential despite her relative inexperience, as she only began playing basketball in 2020 after growing up in Kenya playing volleyball.

Why it matters

Okot's selection continues South Carolina's strong pipeline to the WNBA, with the Gamecocks now having 24 players drafted over the years. Her arrival in Atlanta also reunites her with former Gamecock standout Allisha Gray, providing the Dream with a formidable frontcourt duo as the team looks to replace the departed Brittney Griner.

The details

In her lone season at South Carolina, Okot averaged a double-double with 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, leading the SEC in rebounding and ranking third nationally with 22 double-doubles. Her three-point shooting ability is expected to be an asset in Atlanta's up-tempo offensive system under coach Karl Smesko.

  • Okot was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • Okot was invited to attend the WNBA Draft in New York along with her South Carolina teammates Ta'Niya Latson and Raven Johnson.

The players

Madina Okot

A forward who played one season at the University of South Carolina after transferring from Mississippi State, Okot impressed WNBA teams with her potential despite limited college experience, as she only began playing basketball in 2020 after growing up in Kenya playing volleyball.

Allisha Gray

A former standout for the University of South Carolina, Gray was selected by the Atlanta Dream and will now be Okot's teammate.

Brittney Griner

The star center who previously played for the Atlanta Dream, Griner departed the team in free agency, creating a need in the frontcourt that Okot is expected to help fill.

Karl Smesko

The head coach of the Atlanta Dream, Smesko runs an up-tempo offensive system that is expected to complement Okot's three-point shooting ability.

Ta'Niya Latson

Okot's South Carolina teammate, Latson was also invited to attend the WNBA Draft in New York.

Raven Johnson

Okot's South Carolina teammate, Johnson was also invited to attend the WNBA Draft in New York.

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What’s next

Okot will sign a four-year contract with the Atlanta Dream worth $1,294,367, with her rookie-year salary set at $289,133.

The takeaway

Okot's selection by the Atlanta Dream continues South Carolina's strong pipeline to the WNBA, and her arrival in Atlanta reunites her with former Gamecock standout Allisha Gray, providing the Dream with a promising frontcourt duo as the team looks to rebuild following the departure of Brittney Griner.