Madina Okot, a 6-foot-6 center from South Carolina, was selected by the Atlanta Dream with the 13th pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She previously played for Mississippi State before transferring to South Carolina for one season.
Pros, cons of Atlanta Dream taking South Carolina's Madina Okot in 2026 WNBA Draft
South Carolina women's basketballĀ point guardĀ Madina Okot was selected by the Atlanta Dream with the 13th pick in the first round of the 2026Ā WNBA DraftĀ on April 13.
The draft is atĀ The Shed at Hudson YardsĀ in New York City.
Okot is a 6-foot-6 center who only spent one season with coachĀ Dawn Staley after transferring from Mississippi State.
On April 8 the program announced that the NCAA denied Okot another year of eligibility,Ā giving her no choice but to enter the WNBA draft after just two college seasons in the United States.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 78-52 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts with teammates against the TCU Horned Frogs during the fourth quarter in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Mar 30, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs forward Marta SuƔrez (7) and center Kennedy Basham (0) defend against South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the second quarter in an Elite Eight game in the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket Raegan Beers #15 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
Mar 23, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) grabs a rebound against the USC Trojans in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) gets a hug from injured player South Carolina forward Chloe Kitts (21) Monday, March 23, 2026, during the fourth quarter NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
Mar 21, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) looks to get around Southern Jaguars guard Zaria Hurston (20) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Texas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) defends South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) Sunday, March 8, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) grabs a rebound Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinals game against the Louisiana State Tigers at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - MARCH 01: Clara Strack #13 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball while she is guarded by Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Memorial Coliseum on March 01, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Mississippi Rebels center J'adore Young (10) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) makes a three point basket against the Mississippi Rebels in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Feb 19, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) works for a shot between Alabama guard Ta'mia Scott (15) and Alabama forward Essence Cody (21) at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Feb 19, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) blocks a shot by Alabama guard Jessica Timmons (23) at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Madina Okot 11, LSU Tigers Womenās Basketball take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) and Tennessee Volunteers guard Jaida Civil (15) battle for a rebound in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Feb 5, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Madison Francis (40) shoots over South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 25: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket while guarded by Aiyana Mitchell #14 of the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez (2) goes up for a basket as South Carolina 's Madina Okot (11) defends in second half of the women's college basketball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the South Carolina at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Thursday Jan. 22, 2026.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 18: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket in the third quarter against Erin Henry #20 of the Coppin State Eagles at Physical Education Complex on January 18, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Jan 11, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Georgia Bulldogs center Aicha Ndour (21) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Me'arah O'Neal (8) shoots the ball over South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots over Providence Friars forward Nalani Kaysia (8), guard Orlagh Gormley (3) and forward Teneisia Brown (20) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Dec 4, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against Louisville Cardinals forward Elif Istanbulluoglu (11) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. South Carolina defeated Louisville 79-77. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
Dec 4, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) drives to the basket against South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 27: Justice Carlton #11 of the Texas Longhorns shoots against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half of the championship game of the 2025 Players Era Championship basketball tournament at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 27, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Longhorns defeated the Gamecocks 66-64. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 26: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks secures a rebound against Delaney Thomas #12 and Jadyn Donovan #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the third quarter of a Players Era Championship basketball tournament game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 26: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives against Arianna Roberson #21 and Riley Nelson #4 of the Duke Blue Devils during the fourth quarter of a Players Era Championship basketball tournament game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives past Queens Royals center Breah Franks (31) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against the Queens Royals in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) looks to shoot over Winthrop Eagles forward Naomi Wilson (11) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) high fives teammates after being pulled from the game against the Winthrop Eagles in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks controls the ball against Vivian Iwuchukwu #0 of the USC Trojans during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Kara Dunn #25 of the USC Trojans controls the ball against Joyce Edwards #8 and Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against the Clemson Tigers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) blocks the shot of Clemson Tigers guard Taylor Johnson-Matthews (10) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Clemson Tigers forward Hadley Periman (21) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 78-52 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 78-52 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts with teammates against the TCU Horned Frogs during the fourth quarter in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Mar 30, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs forward Marta SuƔrez (7) and center Kennedy Basham (0) defend against South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the second quarter in an Elite Eight game in the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket Raegan Beers #15 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
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Mar 23, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) grabs a rebound against the USC Trojans in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) gets a hug from injured player South Carolina forward Chloe Kitts (21) Monday, March 23, 2026, during the fourth quarter NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
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Mar 21, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) looks to get around Southern Jaguars guard Zaria Hurston (20) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Texas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) defends South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) Sunday, March 8, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) grabs a rebound Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinals game against the Louisiana State Tigers at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
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LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - MARCH 01: Clara Strack #13 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball while she is guarded by Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Memorial Coliseum on March 01, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Mississippi Rebels center J'adore Young (10) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) makes a three point basket against the Mississippi Rebels in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Feb 19, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) works for a shot between Alabama guard Ta'mia Scott (15) and Alabama forward Essence Cody (21) at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
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Feb 19, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) blocks a shot by Alabama guard Jessica Timmons (23) at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
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Madina Okot 11, LSU Tigers Womenās Basketball take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
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Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) and Tennessee Volunteers guard Jaida Civil (15) battle for a rebound in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Feb 5, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Madison Francis (40) shoots over South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 25: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket while guarded by Aiyana Mitchell #14 of the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez (2) goes up for a basket as South Carolina 's Madina Okot (11) defends in second half of the women's college basketball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the South Carolina at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Thursday Jan. 22, 2026.
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 18: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket in the third quarter against Erin Henry #20 of the Coppin State Eagles at Physical Education Complex on January 18, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
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Jan 11, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Georgia Bulldogs center Aicha Ndour (21) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Jan 4, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Me'arah O'Neal (8) shoots the ball over South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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Dec 28, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots over Providence Friars forward Nalani Kaysia (8), guard Orlagh Gormley (3) and forward Teneisia Brown (20) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Dec 4, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against Louisville Cardinals forward Elif Istanbulluoglu (11) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. South Carolina defeated Louisville 79-77. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
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Dec 4, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) drives to the basket against South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 27: Justice Carlton #11 of the Texas Longhorns shoots against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half of the championship game of the 2025 Players Era Championship basketball tournament at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 27, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Longhorns defeated the Gamecocks 66-64. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 26: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks secures a rebound against Delaney Thomas #12 and Jadyn Donovan #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the third quarter of a Players Era Championship basketball tournament game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 26: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives against Arianna Roberson #21 and Riley Nelson #4 of the Duke Blue Devils during the fourth quarter of a Players Era Championship basketball tournament game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
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Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives past Queens Royals center Breah Franks (31) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against the Queens Royals in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Nov 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) looks to shoot over Winthrop Eagles forward Naomi Wilson (11) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Nov 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) high fives teammates after being pulled from the game against the Winthrop Eagles in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks controls the ball against Vivian Iwuchukwu #0 of the USC Trojans during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Kara Dunn #25 of the USC Trojans controls the ball against Joyce Edwards #8 and Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against the Clemson Tigers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) blocks the shot of Clemson Tigers guard Taylor Johnson-Matthews (10) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Clemson Tigers forward Hadley Periman (21) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
She started playing basketball six years ago and when she was 17. She played 3-on-3 basketball for Kenya's national team then went to Zetech University (also in Kenya) before moving to play for Mississippi State during the 2024-25 season. She transferred to South Carolina last offseason.
Okot ended her college career averaging an SEC-best 10.6 rebounds along with 12.8 points per game for the Gamecocks.
She shot a team-high 57.5% from the floor this season. In the NCAA Tournament, she averaged 9.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. She finished third in the nation with 22 double-doubles this season.
She averaged 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals a game, and including her time in Starkville, will enter the WNBA with a 60.6% career field goal percentage.
She shot 64.9% from the floor last year (all two-pointers) then developed into a legitimate 3-point threat at South Carolina, shooting 44.8% from behind the arc, making 13 this season.
The Dream is getting a 6-6 center who can shoot from the 3-point line, and that's rare. Okot has a nice mid-range jumper and really good shooting form.
She is a high-level rebounder. Regardless if her own offense is working or not, she attacks the glass.
Okot can run the floor and dribble the ball, which isn't the case for every player of her height. At South Carolina, she displayed a consistent ability to grab rebounds and take it coast to coast, something that will separate her from other, potentially less mobile centers.
ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo told reporters via Zoom on April 10 that Okot's inexperience could actually be an advantage, given how much she still has to grow.
"She is relatively new to the game and I think for a lot of people, they know that this young woman is not even close to touching what she can be as a professional player. So I think that excites people," Lobo said. "I think a lot of teams are really intrigued by her, especially because of her story and how new she is to the game, and what that means about her future potential.ā
Okot struggled in a big games toward the end of the season. She had just six points and three rebounds against 6-7 UCLA star Lauren Betts in the national championship, and only two points and five rebounds in the loss to Texas in the SEC Tournament championship.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley took her out of the starting lineup midway through SEC play when she struggled and it seemed to help her. She won't have the same type of pressure in the WNBA as a rookie where she's a starter who really has to deliver, but the inconsistencies in big moments might be worrisome at a higher-level.
If Okot is given the chance to grow in the WNBA, she has a really high ceiling, but at the professional level the lights are still bright, even if the individual responsibility is different.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her atĀ LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and BlueskyāŖ@bylulukesin.bsky.socialā¬
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Atlanta Dream pick South Carolina's Madina Okot in 2026 WNBA Draft
Madina Okot is a 6-foot-6 center who played for South Carolina's women's basketball team after transferring from Mississippi State.
The Atlanta Dream selected Madina Okot with the 13th pick in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft.
The 2026 WNBA Draft took place on April 13 at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City.
The article discusses various pros and cons regarding the Atlanta Dream's decision to draft Madina Okot, focusing on her potential and experience.
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