Madina Okot: The Rising WNBA Star with a Unique Journey

ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo praises the South Carolina forward's potential ahead of the 2026 WNBA Draft

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A fragmented, multi-perspective painting in bold, vibrant colors that captures the energy and dynamism of a basketball game, with players' bodies and the ball reduced to abstract geometric shapes and planes.A cubist interpretation of a high-intensity basketball game, with players' forms fractured into geometric shapes that convey the raw athleticism and competitive spirit of the sport.Mississippi State Today

ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo has heaped praise on Madina Okot, a South Carolina forward who is set to attend the 2026 WNBA Draft. Lobo's excitement stems from Okot's relatively new arrival in the basketball scene, having only started playing the sport in 2020. This, Lobo believes, is what makes Okot so intriguing and potentially exciting for WNBA teams.

Why it matters

Okot's story is a compelling one, as she has rapidly risen through the ranks despite only starting to play basketball in 2020. Her rapid progression and potential for growth make her an intriguing prospect for WNBA teams, who may see her as a 'project' player with a high ceiling.

The details

Okot began her college career at Zetech University in Kenya, before transferring to Mississippi State for her junior season. It was at Mississippi State that Okot averaged 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds, a solid performance that likely caught the eye of recruiters. However, it was at South Carolina that Okot truly shined, averaging a double-double with 12.8 points and an SEC-leading 10.6 rebounds per game, as well as adding a 3-point shot to her repertoire.

  • Okot began playing basketball in 2020.
  • Okot transferred to Mississippi State for her junior season.
  • Okot averaged a double-double at South Carolina in her senior season.

The players

Madina Okot

A South Carolina forward who is set to attend the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Rebecca Lobo

An ESPN analyst who has heaped praise on Okot's potential.

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What they’re saying

“Okot's relative newness to the game means that she has a lot of room for growth and development as a professional player.”

— Rebecca Lobo, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

Okot's projected draft position is an interesting one, with six separate outlets having her as a first-round pick. This could mean that she is selected earlier than expected, given the depth of the draft in point guards and wings, and the relative lack of depth in post positions.

The takeaway

Madina Okot is an intriguing and exciting prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft. Her relative newness to the game, combined with her rapid progression and compelling story, make her a player that many teams will be eager to snap up. Whether she lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Okot is a player that will be watched closely in the coming months.