“I’m being treated well”: Madina Okot reassures fans after WNBA move

Kenyan basketball sensation Madina Okot/SCREENGRAB

Kenyan basketball sensation Madina Okot has assured fans that she is settling in well in the United States following her historic move to the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Speaking after arriving in Atlanta, the basketball star expressed excitement about the new chapter in her career.

“I’m so excited to be here in Atlanta, and I can’t wait to meet the fans. You are asking if I’m eating well, yes, I’m being treated well and eating healthy—see the cheeks are coming up,” she said.

Okot recently made history as the first Kenyan player to be drafted into the WNBA after being picked by the Atlanta Dream, marking a major milestone for Kenyan basketball on the global stage.

Her transition to the professional league has drawn attention back home, with many keen to see how she adapts to the highly competitive environment.

The milestone places her among the newest additions to one of the world’s most competitive women’s basketball leagues, which features 12 elite teams.

Okot, born in Mumias in western Kenya, is a centre standing at 6’6” and is known for her strong interior presence, rebounding ability, and growing offensive versatility.

She began her basketball journey in 2020, first playing at Zetech University in Kenya before moving to the United States to pursue higher-level competition.

Her college career saw her feature for the Mississippi State Bulldogs for two seasons before transferring to the University of South Carolina, where she continued her rapid development.

At South Carolina, she averaged 10.6 rebounds and 12.8 points while shooting 57.5 per cent from the floor, establishing herself as one of the most efficient frontcourt players in the programme.

She was also part of the South Carolina Gamecocks squad that reached the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship final, competing at the highest level of collegiate basketball in the United States.

Her rise culminated in her selection in the first round of the WNBA Draft as the 13th overall pick by the Atlanta Dream.

The WNBA Draft is an annual event held in April, where teams select new talent—mainly college players and international prospects—to strengthen their rosters ahead of the season, which typically runs from May to September and ends with the playoffs.

Okot herself has spoken emotionally about her journey and the speed of her rise in the sport. Reflecting on her progress, she said she often struggles to fully grasp how far she has come.

“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 details, putting in extra work and just being able to ask questions and learn from experienced players that were around me,” she said.

In a previous recent interview, she described her experience as surreal and deeply emotional, noting how gratitude drives her daily mindset.

“Sometimes I wake up, and I’m like, ‘Am I really here?’ I’m just so grateful. Every day I wake up, I feel like it’s a great opportunity to get what I once dreamt about. I’m here. It’s just something to be grateful for.”