Mumias-born Okot picked in WNBA draft, joins Atlanta

Madina Okot’s rise to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) reached a defining breakthrough after she was selected 13th overall in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream.

The Kenyan centre, who starred for the South Carolina Gamecocks, entered the draft as one of the most highly regarded international prospects in the class following a dominant 2025/26 collegiate season.

She averaged 12.8 points, 10.6 rebounds per game, shot 57.5 percent from the field and 44.8 percent from three point range, while recording 22 double-doubles, tying for the most among Power Conference players.

Okot was born in Mumias but started playing volleyball while in high school at Bishop Sulumeti in Kakamega. She ditched volleyball for basketball when she joined Kaya Tiwi Secondary School.

Her selection by the Atlanta Dream instantly positioned her as a high value interior addition for a franchise continuing to reshape its roster around young, high upside talent.

The Dream announced the pick with a simple message saying, “Welcome to Atlanta @okotmadina!”

Okot’s draft night also drew immediate attention from across the league, with WNBA star Angel Reese amplifying the moment on social media.

Reese called her a “walking double-double,” and shared a message on her social media saying, "ROOK! Another walking double-double! Lets go!"

The endorsement underscored expectations that Okot will bring immediate rebounding impact and physical presence at the professional level.

In basketball terms, the phrase 'walking double-double' signals a player who consistently delivers strong numbers in both points and rebounds, a reputation that aligns closely with Okot’s playing style and impact on the court.

Okot’s own words from draft night reflected the weight of her journey from Kenya to the WNBA stage.

She said, "I had to be obsessed with details. This is not just for me. It is for all of Kenya and I hope it makes us believe we belong at any stage."

Her path to the first round has been marked by rapid progression through elite basketball systems.

She began her journey in Kenya with Zetech University before transitioning to the U.S. collegiate system, first starring for Mississippi State before elevating her game at South Carolina, a program known for producing championship level WNBA talent.

The WNBA draft visuals captured her in South Carolina uniform, with the official graphic reading, “DRAFTED MADINA OKOT,” alongside “ROUND 1 | PICK 13 | SOUTH CAROLINA,” confirming her entry into professional basketball.

First round selections are typically reserved for players expected to contribute immediately or develop into franchise cornerstones, reinforcing Atlanta’s confidence in her long term upside.

Okot’s selection also strengthens the growing international presence in the WNBA, where global talent continues to rise through top draft positions and reshape the competitive landscape of the league.

Okot is expected to report to training camp on April 19, 2026, ahead of preseason games beginning April 25, with the 2026 WNBA regular season tipping off on May 8.

Her transition now begins from college standout to professional athlete, entering a league where expectations are high and opportunity is immediate.