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Kenyan Forward Madina Okot Emerges as Top WNBA Draft Prospect
ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo praises Okot's potential after standout senior season at South Carolina
Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:45pm
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A cubist interpretation of Madina Okot's dynamic play style, capturing the versatility and potential that has made her a top WNBA draft prospect.Mississippi State TodayMadina Okot, a forward from South Carolina, has emerged as an intriguing prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft. Okot, who is originally from Kenya and only started playing basketball in 2020, had a standout senior season with the Gamecocks, earning All-SEC second-team honors and being named a finalist for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award. ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo has praised Okot's range, rim protection, and finishing ability, highlighting her relative newness to the game as a sign of her potential for future growth.
Why it matters
Okot's journey from Kenya to the WNBA draft showcases the global reach of women's basketball and the potential for players from non-traditional markets to make an impact at the highest level. Her story and skills have generated significant interest from WNBA teams, with the Atlanta Dream and Connecticut Sun seen as potential landing spots for the versatile forward.
The details
Okot began playing basketball in Kenya in 2020 and quickly made an impact. She played college basketball at Zetech University in Kenya before transferring to Mississippi State and then South Carolina. In her senior season with the Gamecocks, Okot averaged 12.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 57.5% from the field and 44.8% from 3-point range.
- Okot started playing basketball in Kenya in 2020.
- Okot played at Zetech University in Kenya before transferring to Mississippi State.
- Okot spent her final college season at South Carolina, where she had a standout senior campaign.
- The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 2026.
The players
Madina Okot
A forward from South Carolina who is originally from Kenya and has emerged as an intriguing prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Rebecca Lobo
An ESPN analyst who has praised Okot's potential, highlighting her range, rim protection, and finishing ability.
What they’re saying
“Okot's story and her relative newness to the game make her an intriguing prospect, with potential for future growth.”
— Rebecca Lobo, ESPN Analyst
What’s next
The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 2026, and Okot is expected to be a first-round pick, with the Atlanta Dream and Connecticut Sun seen as potential landing spots.
The takeaway
Madina Okot's journey from Kenya to the WNBA draft showcases the global reach of women's basketball and the potential for players from non-traditional markets to make an impact at the highest level. Her story and skills have generated significant interest, and her selection in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft would further highlight the growing diversity and talent pool in the league.
