Decision Made on Gamecocks Basketball Standout Madina Okot South Carolina’s Madina Okot will head to the WNBA after the NCAA denied her appeal for an extra year of eligibility. The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13, marking the end of her collegiate career with the Gamecocks. Okot, who played her final game for the team, has decided to pursue professional basketball without the possibility of an additional season at the NCAA level. The NCAA’s decision came after Okot’s team, the South Carolina Gamecocks, submitted an appeal arguing that her two years at a university in her native Kenya should not count toward NCAA eligibility rules due to the significant difference in competition levels. Coach Dawn Staley, who has been vocal about the appeal process throughout the season, confirmed that the NCAA had been reviewing the case. However, the outcome was ultimately unfavorable, leaving Okot with no choice but to declare for the WNBA draft. Okot had to make her decision within 48 hours of her final game, which was a national championship loss to UCLA. Once she received the NCAA’s response, appealing further or pursuing legal action was deemed impractical, as the decision could have been overturned again, leaving her without a viable path to play in 2026. With the WNBA draft approaching, Okot’s move to the professional league was inevitable. Staley praised Okot’s contributions to the team and her personal journey, stating, “Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue the sport, but also to better her life. Her path included just a short time with us in Columbia, but we are grateful to be part of her story. She made our team and our sport better.” The coach also highlighted Okot’s impact on the program, noting her leadership and skill set.#south_carolina_gamecocks #ncaa #dawn_staley #madina_okot #wnba_draft
NCAA Confirms Conclusion of Okot Eligibility – University of South Carolina Athletics The NCAA has officially concluded that Madina Okot, a senior center for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, has exhausted her collegiate eligibility. The decision follows the denial of a season of competition waiver submitted by the team, marking the end of Okot’s NCAA career. The ruling underscores the conclusion of her time as a student-athlete, despite her significant contributions to the program. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley reflected on Okot’s impact during her brief tenure with the team, highlighting her determination and growth. “Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue just the sport, but also to better her life,” Staley said. “Her path included just a short time with us in Columbia, but we are grateful to be part of her story. She made our team and our sport better.” Staley’s comments emphasize the respect the coaching staff holds for Okot’s journey, even as her eligibility came to an end. Okot’s two seasons at South Carolina were marked by exceptional performance, establishing her as one of the top centers in the nation. During the 2025-2026 season, she ranked third nationally in double-doubles, tallying 22 such games. Her rebounding averages placed her 16th in the country at 10.6 per game, while her field goal percentage of .575 ranked her 19th nationally. These numbers reflect her ability to dominate the paint and contribute consistently to the Gamecocks’ success. Okot’s accolades extended beyond individual statistics. She was named to the All-SEC Second Team, a testament to her impact on the conference level. Her rebounding prowess was particularly notable, as she became the Gamecocks’ top rebounder in 29 of her 39 games played.#ncaa #dawn_staley #gamecocks #university_of_south_carolina #madina_okot
