Kenyan Basketball Star Madina Okot Selected 13th Overall by Atlanta Dream in WNBA Draft

On April 13, 2026, the Atlanta Dream picked the talented forward-center with the 13th overall selection. This historic achievement marks the highest draft position ever for a Kenyan in either the WNBA or NBA, opening new doors for basketball talent from East Africa on the global stage.

Okot, who comes from Mumias in Kenya, only started playing basketball seriously in 2020 after trying volleyball. She quickly rose through the ranks, representing Kenya at youth levels, playing for Zetech University, and joining the national team. She later moved to the United States, first to Mississippi State for the 2024-25 season before transferring to the University of South Carolina for 2025-26. Under coach Dawn Staley, she had an outstanding year, averaging 12.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while leading the Southeastern Conference in rebounding. Her strong performance helped the Gamecocks reach the NCAA Championship final, making her the first Kenyan to play in a Final Four.

The Atlanta Dream selected Okot to strengthen their frontcourt, valuing her rebounding skills, footwork, and ability to shoot from different distances. She is expected to fit well into the team’s system alongside players like Angel Reese. Okot expressed her surprise at how fast her journey has unfolded, saying, “Sometimes I wake up and I’m like, ‘Am I really here?’ Six years ago, I didn’t see myself being here today. My dream was to play in the WNBA, but I didn’t know it was going to be this fast.”

Coach Dawn Staley praised Okot’s maturity and strong desire to keep improving, noting that her growth in the sport has been remarkable given her short time playing. This selection not only fulfills a personal dream for Okot but also shines a light on Kenyan and African basketball. Fans and sports lovers in Kenya have celebrated the news, seeing it as an inspiration for young athletes across the country. Okot now prepares to join the professional ranks and represent her roots at the highest level of women’s basketball.