Good News: Dawn Staley lands SEC transfer forward Madina Okot for South Carolina

Back in March, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley hinted on the “Carolina Calls” radio show that the Gamecocks might look to the transfer portal to find a true center or post-focused player. A month later, she delivered on that plan.

On Tuesday afternoon, the program announced the signing of former Mississippi State forward Madina Okot. Okot visited Columbia over the weekend and committed to South Carolina on Monday, according to multiple reports.

Okot becomes the second transfer to join the Gamecocks this offseason, alongside former Florida State guard Ta’Niya Latson. Standing at 6-foot-6, Okot immediately becomes the tallest player on South Carolina’s roster.

During her lone season at Mississippi State, Okot averaged 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She ranked third in scoring for the Bulldogs and led the team in both rebounding and blocks (1.1 per game). Her 64.9% field goal percentage was the best in the SEC.

In her matchup against South Carolina this past season, Okot recorded four points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. Her standout performance came in a win over Vanderbilt, where she posted 21 points and an impressive 23 rebounds. She recorded 12 double-doubles on the season.

Before coming to the United States, Okot played at Zetech University in her home country of Kenya and competed with the Kenyan national team from 2022 to 2024. Physically, she brings a rare combination of size and reach, boasting an 8-foot-8 standing reach and a 6-foot-10 wingspan.

South Carolina Women’s Basketball Roster Outlook:

Departing (Out of Eligibility):

• Te-Hina Paopao (G)

• Bree Hall (G)

• Sania Feagin (F)

Transferring Out:

• Sakima Walker (F)

• MiLaysia Fulwiley (G)

Transferring In:

• Ta’Niya Latson (G, Florida State)

• Madina Okot (F, Mississippi State)

Expected to Return (8):

• Raven Johnson (G)

• Maddy McDaniel (G)

• Tessa Johnson (G)

• Chloe Kitts (F)

• Joyce Edwards (F)

• Ashlyn Watkins (F)

• Maryam Dauda (F)

• Adhel Tac (F)

Incoming Freshmen:

• Ayla McDowell (Signed, Wing)

• Agot Makeer (Committed, Wing)