South Carolina’s New Tower: Madina Okot Ready to Make Her Mark in Columbia
After a standout year at Mississippi State, 6-foot-6 post player Madina Okot is taking her talents to Columbia, South Carolina, for her final season of college basketball. The Kenya native, who averaged 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks in her U.S. debut season, quickly became one of the most sought-after names in the transfer portal—and Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks won the race.
Meeting with the media for the first time since her transfer, Okot opened up about her decision, her impressions of South Carolina, and her personal journey from Kenya to the NCAA.
Why South Carolina?
Okot said her decision came down to opportunity and coaching.
“I like their playing style. I like Dawn’s coaching style. Also, I chose USC because of the better opportunity for competition,” she explained.
The influence of head coach Dawn Staley was a major factor.
“She’s nice, and if you reflect on the history, she’s been able to produce very good foreign players and center players that are doing very, very good in the WNBA. That’s what motivated me.”
Settling into Columbia
Now a few weeks into summer practice, Okot says the transition has been smooth.
“So far, so good. I like everything. Everybody has been so, so nice to me,” she said. “The practice so far has been so good. I like everybody putting in work. I’ve been good. I like it.”
She’s also developing a strong on-court relationship with returning big Adhel Tac.
“Yes. Yeah, we are working together very, very well. I feel like I’m so excited to play with her. I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Okot remembers last season’s matchup against South Carolina vividly.
“Very energetic players… they generally play as a team. I like how they make sure that everybody is touching the ball… I also like how they handled pressure,” she said, reflecting on how the Gamecocks rallied against her Mississippi State squad.
A Family Sacrifice
Okot’s journey from Kenya to the SEC hasn’t been easy. The youngest of eight children, she reflected emotionally on the sacrifices her family made and how much she misses them.
“If I couldn’t have this opportunity to step out and see what the world is like, I would say it was very hard for me growing up… I feel like my parents had to go through a lot to feed us,” she said. “I just want to try to work hard and prove to them that their hard work was worth it.”
She hasn’t seen her parents or siblings since last year. “I’ve been away from my mom for so long. I just miss them. I appreciate them for supporting me emotionally and checking on me every day, making sure that I’m good.”
Growth and Goals
Okot is confident that South Carolina is the right place to help her grow.
“I feel like they’re gonna help me achieve my goals, first of all, with the facilities that they have. Coach Dawn is really doing a great job to make sure that I’m improving on my weak areas from last season,” she said. “Just being around her—she’s giving mother vibes. I’m gonna be fine.”
Despite only picking up a basketball in 2020, Okot has come a long way.
“I just want to be able to make sure that I’m dominating more than I did last season. I also want to be able to work with my teammates… I want to get better in communication, both on and off the court,” she said.
As for role models? Okot is aiming high.
“I’ve been watching A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston for a very long time. One day, I want to play like them.”
With one season left and a powerful support system at South Carolina, Madina Okot is poised to become one of the Gamecocks’ most impactful players this season—on and off the court.
