South Carolina Adds Towering Talent as Madina Okot Commits from Transfer Portal
South Carolina just made another major offseason splash in the transfer portal—emphasis on major. Madina Okot, a towering 6-foot-6 forward from Mississippi State, has officially committed to join the Gamecocks, adding crucial size and rim protection to the roster.
While rumors of Okot’s move had swirled for weeks, she didn’t announce her decision immediately. However, she was spotted in Columbia over Easter weekend during an official visit, where she spent time with her future coaches and teammates—both in person and all over social media.
Despite making it all the way to the national championship, Dawn Staley’s squad lacked a traditional post presence, especially after Ashlyn Watkins suffered a torn ACL in January. That left Chloe Kitts, Joyce Edwards, and Sania Feagin as the only frontcourt options for South Carolina.
“The fact that we’re here without (Watkins) is quite an incredible feat that is probably not talked about a whole lot,” Staley shared during the Final Four.
Determined to bolster the paint, Staley made it clear on her “Carolina Calls” radio show that finding a shot-blocking, rebounding post was a top priority. “Post Player U,” as she proudly called South Carolina, got its latest addition.
Statistically, Okot may not have been the highest-ranked big in the portal—that honor likely belongs to Serah Williams of Wisconsin—but when it comes to fit, she could be the best.
With Ta’Niya Latson already handling scoring duties, what South Carolina needed was physical presence. Okot averaged 9.6 rebounds (tied for third in the SEC), 1.1 blocks, and 11.3 points per game—all in just 22.7 minutes per contest. She led the SEC in field goal percentage at 64.9%, including a dominant 21-point, 23-rebound performance against Vanderbilt.
Her 8-foot-8 standing reach and 6-foot-10 wingspan put her in the same physical category as Gamecock legends like Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso.
What’s more impressive? Okot only started playing basketball in 2020. A native of Kenya, she starred at Zetech University and represented her country in 3X3 competitions, showcasing her raw athleticism and potential.
With her arrival, Staley gains roster flexibility. Okot could start immediately or come off the bench as a game-changing presence, allowing Watkins more time to recover and Adhel Tac space to continue her development after nearly two years sidelined by injury.
Okot played just one season at Mississippi State after spending two years at Zetech while awaiting a visa (it took five tries). Though listed as a junior, it’s unclear whether she might regain eligibility for the years played in Kenya.
