Kenyan basketball star Madina Okot has officially been drafted by the Atlanta Dream after being selected 13th overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, a massive milestone for both the player […]
Kenyan basketball star Madina Okot has officially been drafted by the Atlanta Dream after being selected 13th overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, a massive milestone for both the player and Kenyan basketball. The official WNBA draft board lists Okot as a first-round pick, confirming her arrival on one of the biggest stages in women’s basketball.
Okot, a 6-foot-6 center listed as South Carolina / Kenya, has built her reputation as a dominant presence in the paint, known for rebounding, interior scoring, and shot-altering defense. Ahead of the draft, the WNBA named her among the invited prospects and noted that she was a Lisa Leslie Award finalist, an All-SEC Second Team player, and one of the nation’s leaders in double-doubles.
Her selection by the Atlanta Dream is not just a personal breakthrough. It is also a huge moment for Kenya, placing one of the country’s own directly into the WNBA spotlight. The Dream described their 2026 draft approach as adding size, versatility, and international experience, with Okot headlining that vision as their top pick of the night.
For Kenyan fans, this is the kind of sports story that goes beyond the box score. It is a sign that elite women’s basketball talent from East Africa can rise all the way to the top and get recognized on the global stage. FIBA’s Africa coverage also framed her selection as a landmark moment, underlining just how significant this draft call-up is for the region.
Now, all eyes turn to Atlanta to see how quickly Okot settles into the professional game. But one thing is already clear: Madina Okot has made history, and Kenya has a new name to proudly follow in the WNBA.