Madina Okot is one of Kenya’s most inspiring basketball success stories, rising from Mumias to the international stage through talent, resilience and determination. Her journey has drawn global attention not only because of her performances on the court, but also because of the setbacks she had to overcome along the way.
Madina Okot’s biography is also a story of persistence, especially after multiple visa denials before her breakthrough onto the global stage. From her early basketball path in Kenya to her development in the United States, she has grown into a player recognised for her height, strength, dominance at center and growing reputation in women’s basketball. This profile looks at Madina Okot’s background, height, stats, career journey, achievements and latest news while keeping her rise in a broader long-term context.
ALSO READ: Kenyan-born star Madina Okot eyes WNBA Draft after NCAA eligibility ruling ends college career
Who is Madina Okot?
Madina Okot is a talented Kenyan basketballer playing for the Atlanta Dream. Madina was born in Mumias County on 23 August 2004. She plays as a center and is known for her height, strength, and strong defense. Her rise from Kenya to international basketball has made her a top young talent and the first netizen to be drafted in the WNBA’s first round.
Height, position, and playing style
Madina stands out because of her height, playing position, and strong impact on the court. This section examines her physical attributes, her role as a center, and how her playing style makes her effective on both defense and offense. Understanding these areas helps explain why she is considered a rising talent in women’s basketball.
Physical attributes
Madina Okot’s height is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m), giving her a strong advantage in the paint. She uses her height to win rebounds and block shots. Her long reach helps her defend the basket effectively. She also uses her strength to maintain her position against opponents.
Role as a dominant center
Okot plays as a center, where she operates close to the basket. Her main responsibilities include rebounding, shot blocking, and scoring from short range. She protects the paint by challenging opponents’ inside plays. Her presence makes her an important defensive and offensive player.
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Madina Okot’s basketball career journey
Madina Okot’s rise in basketball shows a clear path from local Kenyan schools to international success. She is also featured among the South Carolina women’s basketball roster and is one of the rising Kenyan female basketball players making an impact abroad. Her journey highlights steady growth through school, college, and elite competition.
High school career at Kaya Tiwi
Madina Okot– Kenya basketball star’s career began at Kaya Tiwi Secondary School, where she started building her foundation in the sport. She trained under coach Philip Onyango, who helped her develop strong defensive skills and improve her overall game. Her height and talent made her stand out quickly in school competitions across the country. These early performances helped her gain recognition and set the stage for her future success in basketball.
Transition to college basketball in the USA
After high school, Madina moved to the United States to pursue higher-level basketball opportunities. She first gained experience in college programs such as Mississippi State before progressing further. This transition exposed her to stronger competition and improved her skills and game understanding.
Breakthrough at the University of South Carolina
Madina Okot made a major breakthrough at the University of South Carolina, where she played at a top NCAA level. Her rebounding, defense, and paint dominance made her an important team player. This stage of her career strengthened her reputation as one of the most promising international centers.
ALSO READ: Kenyan-born star Madina Okot makes history with WNBA Draft selection, joins Atlanta Dream
Madina Okot stats and performance analysis
Madina Okot’s stats show strong scoring efficiency, rebounding ability, and defensive control. She performs as a reliable center who influences games on both ends of the court. Her numbers reflect steady improvement and elite-level potential.
Average of the season
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | FG | FG% | 3PT | 3P% | FT | FT% | PF | OR | DR |
| 2024–25 | MSST | 34 | 34 | 22.6 | 11.3 | 9.6 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 2.5 | 5.0–7.7 | 64.9 | 0.0–0.0 | 0.0 | 1.3–2.1 | 62.5 | 2.6 | 3.5 | 6.0 |
| 2025–26 | SC | 39 | 36 | 23.3 | 12.8 | 10.6 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 2.1 | 5.5–9.5 | 57.5 | 0.3–0.7 | 44.8 | 1.5–2.2 | 70.2 | 1.9 | 3.8 | 6.7 |
| Career | — | 73 | 70 | 23.0 | 12.1 | 10.1 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 5.3–8.7 | 60.6 | 0.2–0.4 | 44.8 | 1.4–2.1 | 66.7 | 2.2 | 3.7 | 6.4 |
Season totals
| Season | Team | PTS | OR | DR | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | FG | FG% | 3PT | 3P% | FT | FT% | PF |
| 2024–25 | MSST | 385 | 120 | 205 | 325 | 24 | 46 | 38 | 85 | 170–262 | 64.9 | 0–0 | 0.0 | 45–72 | 62.5 | 90 |
| 2025–26 | SC | 500 | 149 | 263 | 412 | 39 | 51 | 55 | 83 | 214–372 | 57.5 | 13–29 | 44.8 | 59–84 | 70.2 | 73 |
| Career | — | 885 | 269 | 468 | 737 | 63 | 97 | 93 | 168 | 384–634 | 60.6 | 13–29 | 44.8 | 104–156 | 66.7 | 163 |
Season misc totals
| Season | Team | DD2 | TD3 | AST/TO | STL/TO | SC-EFF | SH-EFF | TECH | DQ | EJECT |
| 2024–25 | MSST | 9 | 0 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 1.469 | 0.65 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | SC | 2 | 0 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 1.344 | 0.59 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | — | 11 | 0 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.396 | 0.62 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Glossary
3P%: 3-Point Field Goal Percentage
3PT: 3-Point Field Goals Made-Attempted Per Game
AST: Assists Per Game
AST/TO: Assist to Turnover Ratio
BLK: Blocks Per Game
DD2: Double Doubles
DQ: Disqualifications
DR: Defensive Rebounds
EJECT: Ejections
FG: Field Goals Made-Attempted
FG%: Field Goal Percentage
FT: Free Throws Made-Attempted
FT%: Free Throw Percentage
GP: Games Played
GS: Games Started
MIN: Minutes Per Game
OR: Offensive Rebounds
PF: Personal Fouls
PTS: Points
REB: Total Rebounds
SC-EFF: Scoring Efficiency
SH-EFF: Shooting Efficiency
STL: Steals
STL/TO: Steal to Turnover Ratio
TD3: Triple Doubles
TECH: Technical Fouls
TO: Turnovers
Madina Okot WNBA draft 2026
Madina Okot’s entry into the WNBA Draft 2026 marked a major milestone in her basketball career. She became one of the top international rising talents after strong performances in college basketball. Her selection confirmed her rise from Kenya to the global stage.
Draft selection by Atlanta Dream
Madina was picked by the Atlanta Dream with the 13th overall selection in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The team valued her size, rebounding strength, and ability to score near the basket. This moment confirmed her place as a professional player and marked the start of the Madina Okot Atlanta Dream journey.
What this means for Kenyan Basketball
Her draft is a big achievement for Kenya and places her among the rising WNBA African players in the top leagues. It shows young players in Kenya that they can reach professional basketball through hard work and discipline. This milestone also helps grow the visibility and future of women’s basketball in the country.
ALSO READ: Inside Madina Okot’s Atlanta Dream deal: How much the Kenyan Star will earn in the WNBA?
Latest news and updates about Madina Okot
Madina Okot recently made headlines after being selected by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Her journey has inspired many, especially after reports showed she faced several visa challenges before finally reaching the United States to play college basketball. She built her reputation through strong performances at the University of South Carolina, where she developed into a top player.
Follow for more Madina Okot highlights on SportPesa as she turns a new page in her career.
FAQs about Madina Okot
What is Madina Okot famous for?
She is a professional basketball player who plays for the Atlanta Dream in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Who drafted Medina Okot?
Madina Okot was drafted by the Atlanta Dream during the 2026 WNBA Draft to join their professional roster.
Where did Madina Okot transfer from?
Madina Okot transferred from Mississippi State.
Does Madina Okot have a sister?
Yes, she has four sisters, one older, Azina Mulah, and three younger, Waida Nechesa, Sheilah Nafula and Zainab Zelfah.
How tall is Madina Okot?
Madina Okot’s height is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m).
Conclusion
Madina Okot has shown that talent, discipline, and persistence can open doors to the highest level of women’s basketball. Her journey from Kenya to the WNBA proves that African players can compete and succeed on the global stage. Her draft by the Atlanta Dream is not just a personal win, but also a major step forward for Kenyan and African women’s basketball. Follow Madina Okot’s journey as she continues to rise in women’s basketball and stay updated on her latest stats, highlights, and career milestones exclusively on SportPesa.