SEC transfer forward Madina Okot signs with Dawn Staley, South Carolina
Dawn Staley told a caller on the “Carolina Calls” radio show in March that South Carolina could potentially address its need for a true center or post-centric player via the transfer portal.
A month later, Staley did just that.
Former Mississippi State forward Madina Okot signed with South Carolina, the school announced Tuesday afternoon. Okot visited South Carolina this weekend and committed Monday, according to multiple reports.
Okot is the second player from the portal to commit to the Gamecocks, joining former Florida State guard Ta’Niya Latson. The 6-foot-6 Okot immediately becomes the tallest player on the USC roster.
She averaged 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds during her lone season at Mississippi State this season. Okot was third in scoring for the Bulldogs and led the team in rebounding and blocks (1.1 per game). Her field goal percentage of 64.9% led the SEC.
Okot, in her one matchup with South Carolina this year, scored four points and recorded eight rebounds and two blocks. Her best performance came in a win over Vanderbilt where she notched 21 points and 23 rebounds.
Okot tallied 12 double-doubles this season.
Prior to playing in the United States, Okot played in her native Kenya at Zetech University. Okot also has plenty of experience playing for the Kenyan national team from 2022 to 2024.
She boasts am 8-foot-8 standing reach and a 6-foot-10 wingspan.
South Carolina women’s basketball roster outlook
- Leaving/out of eligibility (2): guards Te-Hina Paopao and Bree Hall, forward Sania Feagin
- Leaving/transfer (1): forward Sakima Walker, guard MiLaysia Fulwiley
Transferring in (2): guard Ta’Niya Latson (Florida State), forward Madina Okot (Miss. State)
- Expected to return (8): guard Raven Johnson, guard Maddy McDaniel, guard Tessa Johnson, forward Chloe Kitts, forward Joyce Edwards, forward Ashlyn Watkins, forward Maryam Dauda and forward Adhel Tac
- Incoming freshmen (2): Ayla McDowell (signed) and Agot Makeer (committed), both wings
This story was originally published April 21, 2025 at 8:52 PM.
