Kenya’s basketball achievements reached a significant milestone on Monday when Madina Okot became the first Kenyan player selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft, chosen 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream in New York.
This 22-year-old center marks a turning point not only for her personal career but also for Kenya’s expanding presence in professional women’s basketball.
Her selection places her alongside other Kenyan-connected players who previously made their mark in the WNBA, including Josephine Owino, the first native Kenyan drafted in 2009, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa, with Kenyan heritage, selected in 2022.
The Kenya Basketball Federation characterized Okot’s selection as a “pivotal historic moment,” emphasizing that her journey “sends a powerful signal: Kenyan athletes have the capability to thrive and gain recognition at the world’s highest competitive levels.”
At 6’6″, the center from Mumias enters the professional arena following an impressive college career with South Carolina Gamecocks, where she contributed to their appearance in the NCAA Division I Women’s Championship final.
During her collegiate years, she maintained averages of 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per contest, achieving 22 double-doubles among the top performers in Power Conference programs while maintaining an effective 57.5 percent field shooting percentage.
Okot’s development has been remarkably accelerated. She commenced her basketball journey in 2020 at Zetech University before relocating to the United States, where she also played for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
In addition to her club and collegiate accomplishments, she has represented Kenya internationally, playing for the Lionesses and both the national 3×3 U23 and senior teamsa trajectory the federation indicates demonstrates the nation’s growing talent development framework.
“I needed to concentrate on every detail,” Okot stated following her selection. “This achievement extends beyond myself. It represents Kenya as a whole, and I hope it instills confidence in us that we can compete at every level.”
She now joins the Atlanta Dream roster featuring WNBA standouts Angel Reese and Allisha Gray, bringing height, adaptability, and rebounding capabilities to a formidable Eastern Conference team.
Okot is scheduled to report for training camp on April 19, with preseason activities commencing on April 25 prior to the regular season start on May 8.