The 6’6” centre, born in Mumias in western Kenya, was selected as the 13th overall pick in the first round of the WNBA Draft, placing her among the newest additions to one of the world’s most competitive women’s basketball leagues.
Okot is known for her strong presence in the paint, elite rebounding ability and growing offensive versatility, attributes that have made her one of the most promising frontcourt players in this year’s draft class.
Her journey began in 2020 at Zetech University in Kenya before she moved to the United States to pursue higher-level competition. She later played for Mississippi State University for two seasons before transferring to the University of South Carolina, where her development accelerated.
At South Carolina, Okot averaged 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game while shooting 57.5 per cent from the field, establishing herself as one of the most efficient players in the programme. She was also part of the Gamecocks squad that reached the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship final, competing at the highest level of U.S. college basketball.
Her selection by the Atlanta Dream marks a major milestone not only for her career but also for Kenyan basketball, as she becomes the first player from the country to enter the WNBA.
The WNBA Draft is an annual event where franchises select top college and international prospects to strengthen their rosters ahead of the season, which runs from May to September. Draft order is determined by the reverse standings of the previous campaign.
Okot will wear jersey number 26 for the Atlanta Dream, with the jersey already available for fans.
She joins a draft class shaped by a new collective bargaining agreement that has raised the salary cap to $7 million per team, significantly improving rookie contracts and overall earnings. First-year players now earn over $270,000 (about Rwf 393 million), while top picks can earn up to $500,000. Okot’s rookie contract at pick 13 is estimated at around $289,133 (Rwf 420 million).
The Atlanta Dream also selected Indya Nivar (28th overall) and Kejia Ran (43rd overall) to strengthen their squad. The additions join a core that includes Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese as the franchise looks to compete with top teams such as the Las Vegas Aces.
President William Ruto has congratulated her, saying her milestone “fills our nation with pride” and serves as inspiration for young Kenyan athletes.
Okot has previously described her rise as surreal, noting her gratitude for how far she has come since starting basketball only six years ago.
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