South Carolina Star Madina Okot Makes History with 13th Pick in WNBA Draft
Atlanta, 14 April 2026
The 1.98-metre centre’s remarkable journey from starting basketball just six years ago to professional stardom showcases extraordinary athletic development. Okot averaged 12.8 points and led the SEC with 10.6 rebounds per game whilst shooting an impressive 57.5% from the floor and 44.8% from three-point range. Her selection by Atlanta Dream represents a significant milestone for African basketball talent on the global stage.
A Dream Fulfilled Against All Odds
The emotional weight of Okot’s achievement was evident in her reflections following the draft on Monday, 13 April 2026 [1][2]. “Six years ago, I didn’t see myself being here today, or I never dreamed myself being here today,” Okot shared, her voice filled with wonder at her own journey [1][2]. The centre, who only began playing basketball in 2020 at age 17 [3], expressed profound gratitude for her younger self’s perseverance: “If I would go back, I would tell my younger self, just so proud of her. She never gave up. She had to go through a lot and kept moving forward” [1]. This remarkable timeline underscores the extraordinary nature of her ascent—from complete novice to WNBA draft pick in just 6 years.
Technical Excellence Drives Professional Potential
Okot’s statistical achievements at South Carolina paint a picture of a player whose impact extends far beyond traditional expectations for someone so new to the sport [2][4]. During her single season with the Gamecocks in 2025-26, she averaged 12.8 points and a conference-leading 10.6 rebounds per game [2][4]. Her shooting efficiency proved particularly impressive, converting 57.5% of her field goal attempts and a remarkable 44.8% from three-point range on 13 successful attempts from 29 attempts [2][4]. The centre also contributed 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per game, finishing third in the nation with 22 double-doubles [3]. These numbers represent a continuation of her excellence from Mississippi State, where she led the SEC in field goal percentage at 64.9% during the 2024-25 season [1].
Atlanta Dream’s Strategic Vision
The Atlanta Dream’s selection of Okot reflects careful strategic planning and long-term vision from the organisation’s leadership [5]. General manager Dan Padover emphasised the team’s targeted approach: “Okot is someone we’ve been targeting for a while now” [5]. Head coach Karl Smesko highlighted specific attributes that attracted the Dream to Okot: “I think her ability to just crash the boards and the way she moves defensively, she’s going to be a great addition” [5]. The coaching staff’s excitement was palpable, with Smesko noting: “Madina was really high on our list already, and for us, it was just a matter of whether she was going to get another year of eligibility or not” [5]. The NCAA’s denial of Okot’s eligibility waiver on 8 April 2026—just five days before the draft—ultimately cleared the path for her professional debut [2][4].
Building for Tomorrow’s Success
The Dream’s investment in Okot represents a calculated bet on untapped potential, with team executives explicitly acknowledging her room for growth [5]. “She just started playing basketball pretty recently, so we’re just starting to see what she can do,” Padover explained, adding confidently: “I think the ceiling is very far away from where she’s at now” [5]. This assessment aligns with expert analysis from ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo, who observed on 10 April: “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” [3]. Okot will join a Dream roster that recently acquired Angel Reese through a trade with the Chicago Sky, providing her with an experienced post player to learn alongside [1][5]. The combination of Okot’s raw talent, proven collegiate production, and the Dream’s developmental infrastructure suggests a partnership poised for mutual success as the 2026 WNBA season approaches.