Days after visiting Dawn Staley, Madina Okot commits to South Carolina
South Carolina has secured the commitment of Mississippi State center Madina Okot from the transfer portal, potentially boosting their championship aspirations for the 2025-26 women's college basketball season.
The 6-foot-6 Kenyan visited South Carolina's campus in Columbia from April 18-20. Staley seemingly confirmed Okot's visit in a post on X:
"A birdie just flew in the nest!!!"
After playing two seasons with Zetech University in Kenya, Okot transferred to Mississippi State for her junior season. She started in all 34 games and averaged 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
Okot recorded 11 double-doubles, including a 21-point, 23-rebound performance against Vanderbilt. She delivered in the 59-46 NCAA Tournament first-round win against California, posting 14 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks before fouling out.
Okot concluded her 2024-25 season tallying eight points, six rebounds and two steals in a 96-59 loss to No. 1 seed USC in the second round of the Spokane Regionals.
Madina Okot fills South Carolina's frontcourt vacancy
Madina Okot is expected to fill South Carolina's urgent need for a center after it lost Kamilla Cardoso following the 2024 national title victory. This past season, the Gamecocks struggled against teams with legitimate post threats.
South Carolina had two 6-foot-5 centers on its roster in Adhel Tac and Sakima Walker, but both battled injuries and health issues. This led Staley to use a small-ball lineup for the majority of the season.
Securing Okot's commitment gives South Carolina a legitimate post presence who can deliver on both ends of the court. She was virtually unstoppable from the field last season, making 64.9% of her shots and 62.5% of free throws.
Okot's presence could ease free up space for Chloe Kitts and sophomore Joyce Edwards in the paint, with the defense likely focusing on boxing her out.
South Carolina boosted its guard lineup after snapping up five-star freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell. Adding Madina Okot gives the team a significant upgrade going into the new season.
How will Madina Okot fit into Dawn Staley's system in South Carolina? Let us know your insights in the comments section.