COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina sophomore Madina Okot has been named to the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Preseason Top 20 Watchlist, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced Friday. The Gamecocks’ history with the award is impressive — two former South Carolina greats have combined to win it five times since its creation eight years ago.
Okot’s inclusion continues South Carolina’s dominance across the women’s basketball landscape, giving the Gamecocks a representative on every one of the Women’s Starting Five watch lists this preseason. She joins teammates Raven Johnson (Nancy Lieberman Award), Ta’Niya Latson (Ann Meyers Drysdale Award), Maryam Dauda (Cheryl Miller Award) and Joyce Edwards (Katrina McClain Award). South Carolina is one of just three schools nationwide to have a player featured on all five position-based lists.
Despite only one collegiate season under her belt, Okot has already made her mark with her size, athleticism, and versatility in the paint. She transferred to South Carolina after an outstanding senior season at Mississippi State, where she averaged 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. Her .649 field-goal percentage led the SEC and ranked fourth nationally, while her rebounding average was fourth-best in the conference.
Okot recorded 12 double-doubles during the season, highlighted by a monster 23-rebound performance at Vanderbilt on Feb. 13. She also grabbed double-digit rebounds in five additional games and scored in double figures in 22 of 34 appearances, including three of the Bulldogs’ four postseason matchups.
“Madina brings incredible energy and consistency inside,” said head coach Dawn Staley earlier this fall. “Her presence on both ends of the floor makes us better every single day.”
Fans can take part in the selection process through Fan Voting, which opens Friday, Oct. 31, and runs in three stages throughout the season. The list of 20 nominees will be reduced to 10 in late January, then to five finalists in late February. In March, the finalists will be presented to Lisa Leslie and the Hall of Fame selection committee, which will choose the final winner.
The 2026 Lisa Leslie Award recipient will be announced in spring alongside the other four members of the Men’s and Women’s Starting Five. Those honors include the Nancy Lieberman Award (Point Guard), Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (Shooting Guard), Cheryl Miller Award (Small Forward), and Katrina McClain Award (Power Forward).
The No. 2/2 South Carolina Gamecocks officially open their 2025–26 season on Monday, Nov. 3, hosting Grand Canyon at Colonial Life Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET and will stream live on SECN+.
For more updates throughout the season, fans can visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team on social media (@GamecockWBB).
2025–26 Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award Preseason Watchlist
Raegan Beers (Oklahoma) • Lauren Betts (UCLA) • Audi Crooks (Iowa State) • Breya Cunningham (Texas) • Aalyah Del Rosario (Vanderbilt) • Kate Koval (LSU) • Ra Shaya Kyle (Miami) • Gracie Merkle (Penn State) • Brooklyn Meyer (South Dakota State) • Megan Nestor (North Texas) • Madina Okot (South Carolina) • Lara Rohkohl (BYU) • Ashley Sofilkanich (Michigan) • Clara Strack (Kentucky) • Tilda Trygger (NC State) • Kennedy Umeh (Stanford) • Sakima Walker (Cal) • Lauren Ware (Texas A&M) • Serah Williams (UConn) • Laura Ziegler (Louisville)
