Madina Okot’s path to the 2026 WNBA Draft is anything but conventional—and that’s exactly why league insiders are paying close attention. After the NCAA denied her waiver for an extra year of eligibility, the South Carolina forward now turns fully toward the professional stage, set to attend Monday’s draft in New York City as a projected first-round pick. But beyond the projections, Okot represents one of the draft’s most fascinating long-term bets.
Why evaluators are intrigued
There’s a clear sense across scouting circles that Okot is still scratching the surface of her potential. ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo didn’t hold back in her assessment, calling her ceiling the real story: “this young woman is not even close to touching what she can be as a professional player.”
That sentiment is amplified by the current makeup of the draft class. With limited elite post depth available, Okot’s size, mobility, and developing skill set make her a valuable commodity—especially for teams seeking interior presence with upside rather than polish.
Draft range and team fits
Consensus projections place Okot firmly in the first round, though her exact landing spot remains fluid. Multiple outlets—including CBS Sports, USA Today, OnSI, and Tankathon—have linked her to the Atlanta Dream at No. 13, while ESPN and The Athletic see a potential fit with the at Connecticut Sun No. 15.
Even within that range, there’s some variability. Lobo projects a slightly wider window, noting she could land “somewhere maybe late first round, early second round.” That uncertainty reflects both the intrigue and the risk tied to a player still early in her development curve.
Production meets efficiency
What separates Okot from many raw prospects is that her upside is already paired with tangible production. She averaged a double-double this season—12.8 points and an SEC-best 10.6 rebounds per game—while shooting an efficient 57.5% from the field.
More notably, she expanded her offensive profile by adding a perimeter element. After never attempting a three-pointer previously, she shot 44.8% from deep on limited attempts. While the volume is small, it hints at a stretch-big trajectory that could significantly raise her value at the next level.
A remarkably fast rise
Okot’s development timeline is almost unheard of. She only began playing basketball in 2020 in Kenya, later suiting up for Zetech University before transitioning to the U.S. college system. In just two seasons—one at Mississippi State and one at South Carolina—she evolved into an All-SEC second-team selection and recorded 22 double-doubles.
That rapid ascent underscores why teams are willing to invest in her upside: she’s improving at a pace that suggests far more growth is ahead.
Draft night spotlight
The 2026 WNBA Draft tips off at 7 p.m. Monday on ESPN, and Okot won’t be the only South Carolina presence in the room. She’ll be joined by teammates Raven Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson, both also projected as first-round selections—further highlighting the program’s continued pipeline to the league.
For Okot, though, the moment carries a different weight. In just six years, she has gone from learning the game to standing on the verge of becoming a professional—an extraordinary leap that makes her one of the most compelling stories in this year’s class.
