Mumias-born basketball star Madina Okot has made history after being selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft, marking a major breakthrough for Kenyan representation in global women’s basketball.
The 21-year-old centre was picked 13th overall in the first round by the Atlanta Dream, earning a coveted place in the Women’s National Basketball Association—the world’s premier women’s professional basketball league.
A landmark moment for Kenyan basketball
Okot’s selection is widely seen as a watershed moment for Kenyan sport, positioning her among a small but growing group of East African athletes breaking into elite international basketball.
Standing at 6’6”, she has built a reputation as a dominant force in the paint, combining rebounding strength, defensive presence, and an evolving offensive game. Her rapid rise has drawn attention from scouts and analysts, who view her as one of the most promising international prospects of her class.
From humble beginnings to global spotlight
Born and raised in Mumias, Kakamega County, Okot’s journey to the WNBA has been anything but conventional. She initially played volleyball during her early school years before transitioning to basketball in 2020—a relatively late start for a professional athlete.
Despite the late switch, her natural athleticism and work ethic quickly set her apart. Within a short period, she progressed through local ranks and secured an opportunity to pursue the sport in the United States.
Her path, however, was fraught with challenges. Okot reportedly faced multiple visa rejections before finally securing clearance to travel, a hurdle that nearly derailed her ambitions. Her eventual breakthrough underscores a story of persistence and determination.
College dominance fuels draft rise
Okot rose to prominence while playing for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball, one of the top programs in U.S. college basketball.
During the 2025/26 season, she delivered standout performances, averaging 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. She recorded 22 double-doubles and maintained an impressive shooting efficiency of 57.5 percent from the field.
Her consistent performances in a highly competitive collegiate environment elevated her draft stock significantly, ultimately culminating in her first-round selection.
Transition to the professional stage
Following her draft, Okot is expected to join the Atlanta Dream for training camp ahead of the upcoming WNBA season. The move represents a significant step up in competition, as she transitions from collegiate basketball to the professional ranks.
The Dream, currently in a rebuilding phase, are expected to utilize Okot’s size and defensive capabilities to strengthen their frontcourt. Analysts predict she could make an immediate impact, particularly in rebounding and interior defense.
Inspiration for a new generation
Okot’s achievement has sparked widespread excitement across Kenya, with many hailing her as a trailblazer for aspiring basketball players.
Her journey—from a small town in Kakamega County to the bright lights of the WNBA—serves as a powerful testament to the potential of Kenyan athletes on the global stage.
In her early remarks following the draft, Okot emphasized that her success is not just personal but symbolic, expressing hope that it will inspire young athletes back home to pursue their dreams relentlessly.