Okot extends impressive WNBA start as Atlanta Dream maintain unbeaten run
Kenyan basketball sensation Madina Okot continued her rise in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) after featuring in Atlanta Dream’s hard-fought 77-72 victory over Dallas Wings on Wednesday morning.
The 21-year-old centre came off the bench to play nine minutes as Atlanta maintained their unbeaten start to the season.
Okot continues to earn valuable minutes in her maiden campaign in the world’s top women’s basketball league.
Although she did not score in the game at College Park Center, the Kenyan rookie still made an impact defensively and on the boards, grabbing five rebounds. That was the third-highest total for Atlanta in the match, despite her limited playing time.
The performance came after an encouraging WNBA debut last Sunday against Minnesota Lynx, where Okot announced herself with eight points. The display immediately drew attention for her composure, athleticism, and rebounding ability.
While Wednesday’s outing was statistically her least productive since making the step up from South Carolina to the professional ranks last month, Okot has already shown promising signs after impressing during training camp and preseason assignments.
Her rise continues to excite Kenyan basketball fans, with the 6-foot-6 center completing a remarkable journey from local school courts in western Kenya to elite professional basketball in the United States.
Selected 13th overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Okot became one of the few Kenyan women to reach the top tier of professional basketball in America, further underlining the steady growth of women’s basketball in the country.
Born in Mumias, Okot initially pursued volleyball at Bishop Sulumeti High School before switching to basketball at Kaya Tiwi High School in 2020. Her rapid development quickly attracted scouts and national team selectors.
She went on to feature in Kenya’s youth and senior basketball structures before joining Kenya Ports Authority, where she established herself as one of East Africa’s most dominant post players.
Reflecting on her rapid rise in a recent interview, Okot admitted she still struggles to fully comprehend how far she has come in such a short time.
“I honestly didn’t see myself being here today six years ago. I had to act like I was behind, and I had to be obsessed with details, putting in extra work and just being able to ask questions and learn from experienced players that were around me,” she said.
The Atlanta Dream rookie described her WNBA journey as surreal and deeply emotional.
“Sometimes I wake up, and I’m like, ‘Am I really here?’ I’m just so grateful. Every day I wake up, I feel like it’s a great opportunity to get what I once dreamt about. I’m here. It’s just something to be grateful for,” she added.
Okot later moved to the United States collegiate system, first featuring for the Mississippi State Bulldogs before transferring to the South Carolina Gamecocks under celebrated coach Dawn Staley. During the 2025/26 NCAA season, she developed into one of the most effective frontcourt players in women’s college basketball, averaging double figures in both points and rebounds while ranking among the leading rebounders in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Staley previously described Okot as a player who brings “size and speed” to the frontcourt, while also praising her competitiveness, rebounding strength, and defensive presence following her move to South Carolina.
Her impressive collegiate performances eventually earned her a first-round WNBA Draft selection by Atlanta Dream, where she now shares the locker room with established stars including Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, and Jordin Canada.
Okot’s emergence continues to inspire a new generation of Kenyan basketballers while reinforcing the country’s growing reputation beyond its traditional dominance in athletics.
Adongo Ogony is a Human Rights Activist and a Writer who lives in Toronto, Canada
