Madina Okot one of WNBA Draft’s most intriguing prospects. Here’s what to know
South Carolina forward Madina Okot will attend the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday in New York City after the NCAA denied her waiver for an extra year of eligibility. The 6-foot-6 center from Kenya, who began playing basketball just six years ago, is widely projected as a first-round pick.
FULL STORY: Why ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo says Madina Okot is an intriguing WNBA prospect
Here are key takeaways:
• Why pundits are excited: ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo called Okot one of the draft’s more intriguing prospects, saying, “this young woman is not even close to touching what she can be as a professional player.” The draft is thin at the post position, which could boost her stock.
• Where she’s projected: Six outlets have Okot going in the first round. CBS Sports, USA Today, OnSI and Tankathon project her to the Atlanta Dream at No. 13. ESPN and The Athletic slot her to the Connecticut Sun at No. 15. Lobo expects “somewhere maybe late first round, early second round.”
• The numbers behind the hype: Okot averaged a double-double with 12.8 points and an SEC-leading 10.6 rebounds per game this season — both career highs. She shot 57.5% from the floor and added a 3-point shot, hitting 44.8% on 29 attempts after never attempting one before this season.
• Her rapid rise: Okot started playing basketball in 2020 in Kenya. She played at Zetech University before coming to the United States for one season at Mississippi State and one at South Carolina, where she earned All-SEC second-team honors and recorded 22 double-doubles.
• When to watch: The three-round WNBA Draft airs at 7 p.m. Monday on ESPN. Okot will be joined by Gamecock teammates Raven Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson, both also projected as first-rounders.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
This story was originally published April 13, 2026 at 9:33 AM with the headline "Madina Okot one of WNBA Draft’s most intriguing prospects. Here’s what to know."
