Kenyan basketball star Madina Okot is making headlines once again in the United States after a dominant week with the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team. The towering 6‑foot‑6 center was recently named co‑SEC Player of the Week, a testament to her elite play as the Gamecocks notched impressive wins against ranked opponents.
Okot was a force on both ends of the court, registering two double‑doubles that included a 16‑point, 16‑rebound effort against No. 25 Alabama and an 17‑point, 10‑rebound performance versus No. 17 Ole Miss. She also knocked down all five of her three‑point attempts and logged eight total blocks, anchoring South Carolina’s defense and leading the team in rebounding.
As of February 24, 2026, Okot is averaging 13.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, leading the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in boards and ranking high in shooting efficiency and blocks. Her standout performances have placed her on the late‑season watch list for the Lisa Leslie Award, which honors the nation’s top center in women’s college basketball.
Okot’s recognition comes on the heels of her decision to transfer from Mississippi State to South Carolina in 2025 in pursuit of both higher competition and preparation for a future professional career, including ambitions in the WNBA.
Her rise from a promising Kenyan talent to one of the SEC’s premier bigs underscores her rapid development and impact at the elite collegiate level — and she’s just getting started.
