- Kenyan-born star Madina Okot makes history after being drafted into the WNBA to join the Atlanta Dream.
- The 21-year-old, standing at 6-foot-6, achieved this milestone on Tuesday, April 14, during the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft, where she was selected 13th overall out of 15 picks.
- She now joins a squad featuring sensational star Angel Reese, who was recently traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream, marking a significant turning point in the Kenyan’s career.
Kenyan-born basketball star Madina Okot has made history, becoming the third overall and second native Kenyan to be drafted into the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), where she will join Angel Reese’s new club, the Atlanta Dream.
The 21-year-old, standing at 6-foot-6, pulled off this feat on Tuesday, April 14, during the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft, where she was picked 13th out of the 15 selections available.
The event went down at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City.
Emotional and soft-spoken, Okot shared that she never imagined being in that position but credited her grind while also dedicating the honor to her family and Kenya as a whole.
I honestly didn’t see myself being here today. Six years ago, I had to act like I was behind, and I had to be obsessed with the little things, putting in extra hours, asking questions and learning from experienced players around me.
Thank you so much for believing in me. I just want to let them know this isn’t just about me – it’s for all of us. I’m carrying our flag to the next level. I want them to know we belong to any stage.”
Madina Okot makes history joins Atlanta Dream in the WNBA
On top of that, all this went down after the rookie was denied another year of eligibility by the NCAA, confirming that the Gamecock senior has wrapped up her college career.
In just two seasons in the NCAA, Okot rose as one of the top centers in the nation.
ALSO READ: Kenyan-born star Madina Okot eyes WNBA Draft after NCAA eligibility ruling ends college career
She was ranked third in the country with 22 double-doubles, 16th in rebounding average (10.6), and 19th in field goal percentage (.575).
Okot was an All-SEC Second Team selection and became the Gamecocks’ top rebounder in 29 of her 39 appearances, delivering one of the most impressive rebounding campaigns in program history.
She also ranked second in the program’s single-season record books for offensive rebounds (149) and third in both total rebounds (412) and defensive boards (263).
Her 22 double-doubles also mark the fifth-most in a single season in program history.
Madina is a 21-year-old from Mumias, Kenya, who started playing basketball in 2020 at Kaya Tiwi Secondary School.
She later suited up for Zetech University before taking her talents to the United States. She spent her first season at Mississippi State in Starkville, then moved to South Carolina, where her star has been shining ever since.
During her time with the Bulldogs, she ranked fourth nationally in field goal percentage, shooting a stellar 64.9% from the floor.
Last season, in addition to her dominance in the paint, Okot showcased a polished shooting range.
She hit 70% from the free-throw line and converted 13 of 29 three-point attempts, posting a sharp 44.8% success rate.
She was again named to the All-SEC Second Team and played a vital role in South Carolina’s sixth consecutive Final Four appearance.
Through the ups and downs of just six years in her career, Madina has carved her name into Kenya’s history books as one of the few Kenyan-born players to reach the WNBA.
She follows in the footsteps of Josephine Owino, the first Kenyan drafted in 2009 (28th overall by the Washington Mystics), and Olivia Ododa, who was selected in 2022 but represents the United States internationally.
She has joined the club where sensational star Angel Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream recently, making this a major career turning point for the Kenyan.
