So, let’s talk about South Carolina’s newest addition, fresh out of the transfer portal. Ever heard of Madina Okot? Probably should have, because this move just gave the Gamecocks some serious muscle in the paint for the 2025-2026 season. Yeah, I know—it’s way too early to chat about that future season, but when you land a player like Okot from Texas A&M, plans just get a little juicier.
Okot’s not your average post player. Standing tall with a 6’10″ wingspan and a vertical leap that could probably get close to the rim (we’re talking a 10’3″ approach height here), she’s basically a human barrier under the net. Last season, she averaged around 11 points and just shy of 10 boards a game on a sizzling 65% field goal percentage. Need extra possessions? Okot’s your girl. She snagged 120 out of her 325 rebounds on the offensive end alone. That’s 37% worth of extra plays right there, folks.
Want to Learn More About Transferring?
Want to Learn More About Transferring?
Checkout our Guide to the Basketball Transfer Portal
Defensively, she’s no slouch either—think 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. There was that standout game against Missouri where she swatted away four shots. And don’t even get me started on her standout 20-20 overtime heroics against Vanderbilt. This gal put up 21 points and an insane 23 rebounds. Can we take a moment to appreciate that kind of hustle?
Backstory alert: Okot didn’t even start hooping until five years ago in Kenya. She played at Zetech University while waiting for her U.S. visa. That’s what we call picking up the game kinda late and still blowing up like she did.
Now, South Carolina had some rough patches last season, especially at center. Injuries to players like Ashlyn Watkins put a dent in their plans. Adhel Tac has had her own struggles with staying healthy. But now with Okot, the Gamecocks have a chance to regain their stature in the post. At the very least, Okot gives them a solid rotational piece. But if all goes well, we’re looking at a potential All-SEC player under head coach Dawn Staley’s wing.
Staley’s already got a rep for cultivating talent—get someone draft-trained and off to the WNBA, no problem. This offseason, she snagged elite scorer Ta’Niya Latson from Florida State, who’s bringing her 21.3 points per game to Columbia. Latson, Okot, and the return of Raven Johnson? Now *that* lineup could turn heads.
But hey, it hasn’t all been smooth for the Gamecocks. They lost some talent to the pros: Te-Hina Paopao (Atlanta Dream), Bree Hall (Indiana Fever), and Sania Feagin (Los Angeles Sparks). MiLaysia Fulwiley and Sakima Walker have both peeked into the transfer portal as well. It’s been a season of shake-ups, but with Okot and Latson stepping in, South Carolina’s laying the groundwork to come back kicking.
Catch the full scoop from the commentators making waves on social media—you might want to give them a follow. And keep tabs on the ‘Cocks as they rebuild, because if you blink, you might miss them lighting up the court.
