Standing outside the team bus following South Carolina’s commanding 105-43 victory over Florida Gulf Coast, Madina Okot reluctantly agreed to speak after her career-best 27-point performance. The post player, who briefly tried escaping onto the bus, assessed her season comfort level at just seven out of ten—a telling glimpse into her championship mentality.
Following Elite Tradition
Okot transferred to South Carolina with clear purpose: joining the legacy of post players Alaina Coates, Aliyah Boston, and Kamilla Cardoso—all All-SEC selections, national champions, and top-three WNBA draft picks. Like Cardoso before her, Okot needed adjustment time as a transfer, though her timeline proved considerably shorter.
Rapid Ascension
After a modest debut against Grand Canyon (12 points, four rebounds), Okot found her rhythm quickly. Her breakout came against Southern Cal with 15 rebounds—the most by any Gamecock since Cardoso’s departure. She then matched her previous career-high of 23 points three consecutive times, including crucial baskets that sparked a comeback win at Louisville.
“We keep asking her to be dominant, and she’s meeting that standard,” said teammate Tessa Johnson. “Soon we’re gonna have to exceed the standard.”
Okot did exactly that at FGCU, scoring 27 points and draining her first career three-pointer—a shot she’s persistently worked on despite repeated misses.
Remarkable Journey
What makes Okot’s performance extraordinary is her basketball timeline: she only began playing in 2020 at age 17. Every developing skill—from dribbling to shot selection—represents rapid growth for someone still learning the game’s nuances.
Current Impact
Okot currently averages 15.2 points and 11.5 rebounds while shooting 61.1% from the floor. Her 11 double-doubles rank second nationally, with her rebounding average placing seventh and field goal percentage eleventh. These numbers approach Boston’s junior-year statistics when she won consensus national player of the year honors.
Strategic Role
Coach Dawn Staley strategically manages Okot’s minutes, often limiting first-half playing time to maximize her second-half impact. Against modern four-guard lineups, Okot must defend perimeter players while adapting to South Carolina’s fast-paced offense that sometimes scores before she crosses halfcourt.
“Playing as a team makes everything easy,” Okot explained, embracing her multifaceted role.
Championship Mindset
Despite her dominant statistics, Okot’s seven-out-of-ten self-assessment reveals championship DNA. She pushes teammates like Joyce Edwards—who recently scored a career-high 29 points—to reach higher targets.
“I kept telling her, you need to get to 30. Now I have to keep motivating her to get to 35,” Okot said.
When asked about room for improvement, Okot smiled but didn’t laugh. Her serious response confirmed what South Carolina fans hope: this seven out of ten is just the beginning.
