Kenyans woke up to electrifying news as rising basketball star Madina Okot officially booked her place among the world’s elite, after being drafted by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
The 6-foot-6 center was snapped up as the 13th overall pick in the first round during the glittering draft event held in New York City on April 13; instantly putting Kenya on the global basketball map.
For Okot, the moment was nothing short of surreal.
“I’m so excited to be here today. Just getting drafted, it’s a dream come true,” she said emotionally. “I’m going to compete against the greatest players I’ve been watching and looking up to growing up.”
Her journey to the top has been anything but ordinary.
Just days before the draft, her future hung in the balance after the NCAA denied her an extra year of eligibility, forcing her to declare for the draft after only two seasons in the United States. But what looked like a setback turned into a breakthrough moment.
Okot had only spent one season under legendary coach Dawn Staley at South Carolina after transferring from Mississippi State — yet that was enough to convince scouts she was ready for the big stage.
“Six years ago, I didn’t see myself being here today,” she reflected. “If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self I’m so proud of her. She never gave up.”
And indeed, her rise has been meteoric.
From playing 3-on-3 basketball for Kenya at just 17, to turning out for Zetech University, then making the leap to U.S. college basketball — Okot’s story is one of grit, growth and relentless ambition.
Now, she heads to Atlanta where she is expected to help fill the gap left by star center Brittney Griner, who recently exited the team in free agency.
Back home and across the globe, the excitement is palpable.
CNN journalist Larry Madowo could barely contain his excitement, posting: “Madina Okot is going to Atlanta! From Mumias Kenya to the WNBA.”
WNBA star Angel Reese also joined the hype, celebrating her new teammate with a bold prediction: “Another walking double-double!! LET’S GOOOO!!!”
Okot now joins a short but growing list of Kenyan women to reach the WNBA, following in the footsteps of Josephine Owino, who was drafted in 2009.
But for many, this feels bigger.