South Carolina women's basketball: Madina Okot talks about family, goals, and why she came to South Carolina

Last season, Madina Okot averaged 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks at Mississippi State. A native of Kenya, it was her first season of basketball in the United States, and with one season of eligibility remaining, Okot decided to enter the transfer portal. 

With her size, production, and upside, the 6-6 post was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal. Okot filled a significant need for South Carolina, which finished last season as the national runner-up despite lacking a true post presence.

Last week, Okot met with the media in Columbia for the first time. She talked about how she is fitting in, why she chose South Carolina, and her goals for the upcoming season.

(English is not Okot’s primary language. Some of her responses have been edited for clarity or to correct minor mistakes.)

Why was South Carolina the right place for you? 
I like their playing style. I like Dawn’s coaching style. Also, I chose USC because of the better opportunity for competition.

What stands out to you about Coach Staley’s coaching style? 
She’s nice, and if you reflect on the history, she’s been able to produce very good foreign players and center players that are doing very, very good in the WNBA. That’s what motivated me. 

You’ve been here for a few weeks now. How are you fitting in? 
So far, so good. I like everything. Everybody has been so, so nice to me. The practice so far has been so good. I like everybody putting in work. I’ve been good. I like it. 

Are you and Adhel Tac hitting it off? 
Yes. Yeah, we are working together very, very well. I feel like I’m so excited to play with her. I can’t wait for the season to start. 

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What do you remember about playing against South Carolina last year? 
Very energetic players. I think that they generally play as a team. I like how they make sure that everybody is touching the ball and the general leadership. I also like how they handled pressure, because I remember when I played them at Mississippi State, we were up (in the second quarter), and then they were able to control it, and they got (ahead). 

What are some of your first impressions of the team?
I’m gonna say the love that they showed me. From the first day I came to visit, the love that they have showed me. They’ve just been so nice.

You have seven siblings? 
Yes, I do. 

Tell me about what it’s like growing up with seven siblings. 
Honestly, if I couldn’t have this opportunity to step out and see what the world is like, I would say it was very hard for me growing up (but) I didn’t realize that. It’s hard to step out and see what the world (is). But, reflecting from where I am, I feel like my parents had to go through a lot to feed us. I just want to try to work hard and prove to them that their hard work was worth it. 

Do you have any of your family over here with you?
No, I’m just by myself.

When was the last time you saw your parents or your siblings? 
I was with them last year. Damn. (Okot got emotional and needed a moment.)

I’ve been away from my mom for so long. I just miss them. I appreciate them for supporting me emotionally and checking on me every day, making sure that I’m good. I love them for that.

How do you think South Carolina can help you reach your goals and make all of this worth it? 
I feel like they’re gonna help me achieve my goals, first of all, with the facilities that they have. Coach Dawn is really doing a great job to make sure that I’m improving on my weak areas from last season. I feel like with the facilities, just being around her, she’s giving mother vibes. I’m gonna be fine. 

How long have you been playing basketball? 
I started playing basketball in 2020. So this is my fifth year.

What would you say are your strengths, and where can you get better? 
I just want to be able to make sure that I’m dominating more than I did last season. I also want to be able to work with my teammates. I really have good shooters. I just want to be able to make sure that I’m working with them. I just want to be able to make sure that I’m getting all the rebounds and being able to read the flow. Like, maybe when I’m being double-teamed, I’m gonna be able to kick out to somebody and they’re gonna knock the three (down). I want to get better in communication, both on and off the court. Also, I want to build very strong relationships with players and coaches. 

Is there a player that you model yourself after? 
I’ve been watching A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston for a very long time. One day, I want to play like them. 

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