Dawn Staley told a caller on the “Carolina Calls” radio show in March that South Carolina could potentially address its need for a true center or post-centric player via the transfer portal.
A month later, Staley did just that.
Former Mississippi State forward Madina Okot is committing to South Carolina, On3 Sports’ Talia Goodman reported Monday night. Okot visited South Carolina this weekend.
Okot is the second player from the portal to commit to the Gamecocks, joining former Florida State guard Ta’Niya Latson. The 6-foot-6 Okot immediately becomes the tallest player on the USC roster.
She averaged 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds during her lone season at Mississippi State this season.
Okot was third in scoring for the Bulldogs and led the team in rebounding and blocks (1.1 per game). Her field goal percentage of 64.9% led the SEC. Okot, in her one matchup with South Carolina this year, scored four points and recorded eight rebounds and two blocks. Her best performance came in a win over Vanderbilt where she notched 21 points and 23 rebounds.
Okot tallied 12 double-doubles this season. Prior to playing in the United States, Okot played in her native Kenya at Zetech University. Okot also has plenty of experience playing for the Kenyan national team from 2022 to 2024.
She boasts am 8-foot-8 standing reach and a 6-foot-10 wingspan.
South Carolina women’s basketball roster outlook
Leaving/out of eligibility (2): guards Te-Hina Paopao and Bree Hall, forward Sania Feagin
Leaving/transfer (1): forward Sakima Walker, guard MiLaysia Fulwiley
Transferring in (2): guard Ta’Niya Latson (Florida State), forward Madina Okot (Miss. State)
Expected to return (8): guard Raven Johnson, guard Maddy McDaniel, guard Tessa Johnson, forward Chloe Kitts, forward Joyce Edwards, forward Ashlyn Watkins, forward Maryam Dauda and forward Adhel Tac
Incoming freshmen (2): Ayla McDowell (signed) and Agot Makeer (committed), both wings
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