Kenyan Prospect Madina Okot Emerges as Intriguing WNBA Draft Pick

After a rapid rise through the college ranks, the 6-foot-6 forward is drawing praise from WNBA legend Rebecca Lobo.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:24pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the dynamic movements and actions of a basketball player, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors capturing the energy and athleticism of the sport.Madina Okot's versatile skillset and rapid development have made her an intriguing prospect for the 2026 WNBA Draft.Columbia Today

Madina Okot, a 6-foot-6 forward from Kenya, has quickly become one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 WNBA Draft. After starting her college career at Zetech University in Kenya, Okot transferred to Mississippi State and then South Carolina, where she averaged a double-double this past season and showcased a versatile skill set that has WNBA analysts excited about her potential.

Why it matters

Okot's story challenges traditional narratives about player development, as she has blossomed into a top draft prospect after a late start in basketball. Her combination of size, athleticism, and expanding skillset could make her a valuable asset in the evolving WNBA, where versatile big players who can impact both ends of the floor are increasingly sought after.

The details

In her lone season at South Carolina, Okot averaged 12.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game, while shooting 57.5% from the field and 44.8% from 3-point range. Her defensive impact, with a 6.5 defensive box plus/minus, also stood out. This rapid development has led WNBA legend Rebecca Lobo to call Okot one of the most exciting prospects in the 2026 draft class, with the potential to redefine how teams think about positional versatility.

  • Okot began playing basketball in 2020.
  • She started at Zetech University in Kenya in 2024-25.
  • Okot transferred to Mississippi State for the 2024-25 season, where she averaged 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds.
  • In 2025-26, Okot transferred to South Carolina, where she had her breakout season.

The players

Madina Okot

A 6-foot-6 forward from Kenya who has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Rebecca Lobo

A WNBA legend and analyst who has praised Okot as one of the most exciting prospects in the 2026 draft class.

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What they’re saying

“Okot is still 'not even close to touching what she can be.'”

— Rebecca Lobo, WNBA Analyst

What’s next

With six outlets projecting Okot as a first-round pick and others offering late-first/early-second round range, the focus will be on where she lands in the 2026 WNBA Draft and how she can continue to develop her game at the professional level.

The takeaway

Madina Okot's rapid rise from a relative newcomer to a top WNBA draft prospect challenges traditional narratives about player development and signals a shift in how the league values versatile, high-upside players who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.