South Carolina Seals the Deal: Madina Okot Officially Signs, Joins Forces with Ta’Niya Latson in Gamecock Power Shift
Just a day after news broke that Mississippi State transfer Madina Okot was heading to South Carolina, the towering 6-foot-6 center made it official on Tuesday, signing with the Gamecocks and giving head coach Dawn Staley the true post presence she’s been seeking this offseason.
“Madina gives our frontcourt additional size and speed,” said Staley in a statement. “She has the ability to score, rebound and defend, and her competitiveness and SEC experience are added bonuses. We’re excited to bring her to our Gamecock family, and I know the FAMS are going to love watching her play.”
A native of Mumias, Kenya, Okot may have fallen just outside ESPN’s Top 25 portal players, but her performance last season speaks volumes. At Mississippi State, she averaged 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game—ranking fourth in the SEC—while shooting a blistering 64.9% from the field, the best in the SEC and fourth nationally. She also added 1.12 blocks per game, establishing herself as a dominant interior force.
The signing of Okot comes shortly after South Carolina secured another major portal win—Florida State star guard Ta’Niya Latson, ranked ESPN’s No. 1 portal player and the nation’s leading scorer last season.
“Ta’Niya has established herself in the college women’s game, and her accomplishments speak for themselves,” Staley said. “But the beauty of her game is not just her ability to score. She can set her teammates up to score, and that’s just a dangerous combination. Ta’Niya is an incredible leader and more importantly a fierce competitor. We’re honored to be part of her journey.”
At 5-foot-8, Latson is a dynamic playmaker. A three-time First-Team All-ACC selection and All-American honorable mention, she averaged 22.53 points per game across three seasons, including 25.21 points per game in 2024–25, leading the nation. She also tallied 3.88 assists, 1.76 steals, and 4.40 rebounds per game on 44.8% shooting, with solid efficiency from deep (32.6%) and the free-throw line (84.2%).
She became just the third player in ACC history to score 2,000 points in three seasons—and the fastest ever at Florida State.
With Okot anchoring the paint and Latson leading the backcourt, Staley’s squad is stacking up for another powerhouse season in Columbia.
