Madina Okot has taken a major step onto the global stage, making history after being selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The milestone cements Madina Okot as one of Kenya’s most exciting basketball exports and signals a new chapter for women’s basketball in East Africa.
The 6-foot-6 center enters the professional ranks after a strong college run that showcased her ability to dominate both ends of the floor. During her final college season, Madina Okot averaged 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 57.5% from the field, numbers that underlined her reputation as a powerful rebounder and efficient interior scorer.
Before reaching the WNBA, Madina Okot built her profile through international and college basketball. South Carolina notes that she has represented Kenya’s national teams since 2022, helped Kenya’s U23 3×3 side qualify for the 2022 World Championships, competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and was part of a team crowned FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup champion at a 2024 Paris Olympic pre-qualifying tournament.
Her path has also been defined by steady development. Atlanta Dream decision-makers pointed to her upside and growth potential, while early reactions around the draft framed Madina Okot as a high-ceiling frontcourt addition. Reports following the selection highlighted her rebounding, physical presence, and continued room for growth, especially given how recently she took up the sport compared with many elite prospects.
For Kenyan basketball, the rise of Madina Okot is bigger than one draft moment. Her selection gives young players across the country a visible example of how local talent can progress to the sport’s highest levels. It also puts new attention on Kenya’s growing influence in women’s basketball, with Madina Okot now carrying national hopes into one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
As she prepares for life with the Atlanta Dream, Madina Okot arrives with momentum, pedigree, and the chance to become a defining figure for a new generation. Her WNBA entry is not just a personal achievement. It is a landmark moment for Kenyan sport, and one that could inspire many more players to follow in her footsteps.
