On a night that carried the hopes of many, Madina Okot heard her name called and stepped into history.
The Kenyan centre was selected 13th overall in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream, marking a defining moment not only in her career but for Kenyan basketball.
Her rise has been steady, but never simple.
Born in Mumias, Okot did not begin with basketball. She first played volleyball at school in Kakamega before switching sports at Kaya Tiwi Secondary School, a decision that would quietly shape her future.
Years later, that choice has carried her to one of the biggest stages in women’s sport.
“I had to be obsessed with details,” Okot said on draft night. “This is not just for me. It is for all of Kenya and I hope it makes us believe we belong at any stage.”
A standout season
Okot entered the draft as one of the most closely watched international prospects, following a strong season with the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Her numbers told a clear story. She averaged 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. She recorded 22 double-doubles, tying the highest mark among top conference players.
Those performances did not go unnoticed.
Shortly after the pick was announced, WNBA star Angel Reese praised her impact, calling her a “walking double-double” in a message shared online.
In basketball terms, the phrase signals consistency—a player who delivers points and rebounds almost every night. It is a reputation Okot has built over time.
A journey across continents
Her path to the WNBA has taken her through several systems.
She began at Zetech University in Kenya before moving to the United States, where she played for Mississippi State and later South Carolina—one of the most competitive programmes in college basketball.
Each step brought a sharper edge to her game.
By the time she entered the draft, she was seen as a player capable of making an immediate impact, particularly in rebounding and interior defence.
The Atlanta Dream appear to agree.
Announcing the pick, the team kept it simple: “Welcome to Atlanta @okotmadina!”
A wider significance
First-round selections often carry high expectations. They are players teams believe can contribute early or develop into long-term cornerstones.
For Okot, the opportunity is immediate.
She is expected to report to training camp later this month, with preseason games set to begin shortly after and the new WNBA season tipping off in May.
Her selection also reflects a broader shift in the game. International players are becoming more prominent in the league, bringing new styles and expanding its global reach.
For young athletes watching from Kenya and beyond, Okot’s moment may feel personal.
It suggests that the path, while demanding, is possible.
And for Okot, the work is only just beginning.
