Madina Okot Makes History as First Kenyan Picked in WNBA First Round

Madina Okot was selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft, becoming the first Kenyan to be picked in the first round of the WNBA or NBA.

The 6-foot-6 centre developed rapidly from a late introduction to basketball in Kenya to competing at the highest level of US college sport. Raised in Mumias, she began playing in 2020 at Kaya Tiwi after initially focusing on volleyball. Within six years, she progressed through national team involvement and collegiate competition in the United States.

Okot spent time at Mississippi State before transferring to the University of South Carolina. Under coach Dawn Staley, she became a leading interior player in the Southeastern Conference. She averaged a double-double, led the league in rebounds, and maintained high shooting efficiency. 

She also added a perimeter element to her game, converting nearly 45 percent of her three-point attempts. Her performances helped South Carolina reach the NCAA Championship final, and she became the first Kenyan to appear in a Final Four.

Atlanta selected Okot to strengthen its frontcourt following the departure of Brittney Griner. Her rebounding ability, defensive presence, and developing offensive range suit the team’s up-tempo approach under coach Karl Smesko. She joins a roster that includes Angel Reese and reunites with former South Carolina teammates Allisha Gray and Te-Hina Paopao.

Staley has praised Okot’s progress, highlighting her discipline and willingness to improve despite limited experience in the sport. Team officials and analysts view her as a player with significant potential rather than an immediate finished product.