Madina Okot is officially entering the 2026 WNBA Draft after exhausting her NCAA eligibility, as the South Carolina center caps her college career following the Gamecocks' tournament exit.
On Wednesday, the NCAA rule it would not grant Okot an extra year of eligibility, despite the 6-foot-6 player's request. Okot is now projected to land as a potential first-round WNBA draft pick.
She acknowledged the committee's decision in an Instagram post.
"Forever grateful," Okot wrote.
Assistant coach Khadijah Sessions responded in the posts's comments, writing, "My girl! Going to miss you down."
The Kenya native made an immediate impact in her lone season with the Gamecocks. She provided size and rim protection in the frontcourt, while contributing on both ends of the floor throughout the team's postseason run.
Remarking on Okot's situation, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley lauded her big's development.
"Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue just the sport, but also to better her life," Staley said.
"Her path included just a short time with us in Columbia, but we are grateful to be part of her story. She made our team and our sport better."
Okot's resume adds context to her future in the pros. The Mississippi State transfer led South Carolina with 1.4 blocks per game. She subsequently earned All-SEC Second Team honors after finishing third in the country with 22 double-doubles.
With her NCAA eligibility resolved, Okot now enters the 2026 WNBA Draft pool, where her skills and interior production position her as a player to watch as teams look to add size and sticking power.
