Madina Okot, the towering 6’6” centre from Kenya who only picked up a basketball six years ago, has become the first native Kenyan woman to be drafted into the WNBA.
The Atlanta Dream selected her with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft, marking a proud milestone for Kenyan sports and African women’s basketball.
Humble Beginnings in Mumias
Born on August 23, 2004, in Mumias, Kenya, and raised in the Kakamega area, Okot was the fifth of eight children. She attended Kaya Tiwi Secondary School and initially excelled in volleyball before discovering basketball in 2020 at the age of 16. With no prior experience in the sport – she had never even watched a full game – she began organised play at Zetech University in Kenya before moving to the United States.Her remarkable rise from complete newcomer to first-round WNBA pick in just six years has left analysts and fans in awe. On draft night, Okot reflected on her whirlwind journey with raw emotion.
“I didn’t see myself being here today six years ago,” she told Holly Rowe during the broadcast.
Explosive College Career and Growth
Okot started her American college career at Mississippi State, where she started all 34 games in the 2024-25 season. She averaged 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, shot an impressive 64.9 per cent from the field, and recorded 12 double-doubles.She later transferred to the University of South Carolina to play under legendary coach Dawn Staley.
In her senior season (2025-26), she delivered a double-double average of 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game – leading the SEC in rebounding – while adding 1.4 blocks and showing off a new-found three-point shot at 44.8 per cent. She helped the Gamecocks reach the Sweet 16 and earned All-SEC Second Team honours.
High Ceiling Excites Analysts
ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo highlighted the excitement surrounding Okot’s untapped potential due to her late start in the sport.“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.Atlanta Dream general manager Dan Padover confirmed the franchise had been targeting Okot for some time.
“We’re really excited with how tonight went. Okot is someone we’ve been targeting for a while now. She just started playing basketball pretty recently, so we’re just starting to see what she can do. I think the ceiling is very far away from where she’s at now,” he said.Head coach Karl Smesko echoed the positive outlook, praising her athleticism and defensive presence.“I think her ability to just crash the boards and the way she moves defensively, she’s going to be a great addition,” he noted.
Physical Tools and Fit in Atlanta
At 6’6” with volleyball-honed athleticism, Okot brings rare size, mobility, and rebounding prowess to the Dream’s frontcourt. She excels at crashing the glass on both ends, protecting the rim, and finishing in transition. Her recent development as a stretch big makes her a modern, versatile centre who fits today’s pace-and-space game.Analysts believe she will contribute immediately on the boards and defence while continuing to grow under professional coaching. The pick addresses Atlanta’s need for frontcourt depth and adds length and upside without requiring instant stardom.
Historic Milestone for Kenya
For Kenya, Okot’s achievement goes far beyond the court. She becomes a trailblazer and an inspiration for young athletes across the country, especially girls who dream of international success in sports.Her story of resilience – leaving family behind, adapting to the intense SEC competition, and turning limited experience into elite production – resonates deeply with Kenyan youth facing their own challenges.
As she prepares to join the WNBA, Okot carries the hopes of a basketball-mad nation on her shoulders. With her high ceiling and strong work ethic, the Mumias-born star is poised to make her mark not just in Atlanta, but as a symbol of what Kenyan talent can achieve on the global stage.
Kenya’s basketball community has already begun celebrating the news, with many calling it “bigger than basketball.” For a country still building its women’s basketball infrastructure, Okot’s draft selection opens new doors and proves that late bloomers with determination can reach the highest levels.The Atlanta Dream see Okot as a long-term building block. Fans and experts alike are eager to watch her next chapter unfold in the world’s premier women’s basketball league.
From Mumias to the WNBA – Madina Okot’s journey is just beginning.
