Madina Okot: Kenyan Basketball Star Earns Angel Reese's Backing After Atlanta Dream WNBA Draft Pick

The Atlanta Dream's latest first-round selection has earned a strong seal of approval from the team's newest superstar, Angel Reese.

Atlanta used the 13th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft to select Kenyan star Madina Okot from South Carolina.

The move generated an enthusiastic response from Angel Reese, who recently joined the Dream following a trade from the Chicago Sky.

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“YAY! MADINA!!! Another walking double-double!! LET’S GOOOO!!!” Reese posted on the social media platform X, adding a heart-eyes emoji.

Reese's excitement is well-founded. The 6-foot-6 centre was a force for the Gamecocks, averaging a double-double during the 2025-26 season with 12.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.

Madina Okot also contributed 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals while shooting an efficient 57.5% from the floor. Okot is expected to help fill the frontcourt void left by Brittney Griner, who departed for Connecticut in free agency.

Dream General Manager Dan Padover highlighted Okot's impressive size and potential as key factors in the selection.

“I mean, at that size, to be able to crash the boards, she’s learned to stretch the floor, very talented and skilled,” Padover explained to reporters as quoted by the New York Post.

“[She] just started playing basketball pretty recently, so we’re just starting to see what she can do. And I think the ceiling is very far away from where she is right now. And you know, Karl [Smesko] and the coaches are just really excited to work with her and get started.”

Speaking to the media after being drafted, Madina Okot expressed her joy, saying she was “just so excited for the moment.”

“I honestly didn’t see myself being here today, six years ago. I had to act like I was behind and be obsessed with details, and also put in extra work, and just be able to ask questions and learn from experienced players around me,” Madina Okot told SEC Network.

“I want to thank my family for believing in me. I appreciate every prayer and sacrifice that got me here. This is not just for me, it's for everybody, and I hope it helps every Kenyan see that we belong to any stage.”

Reese, who led the WNBA with 23 double-doubles last season while averaging 14.7 points and 3.7 assists, will now team up with the promising rookie in Atlanta.