Scholastica Wileka

Madina Okot’s Breakout: A Rookie’s First Statement

Madina Okot’s debut season with the Atlanta Dream has arrived with a bang. In her third career game, the 6-foot-6 center posted a double-double against A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces, a team featuring the WNBA’s only four-time MVP. Okot’s 14 points and 11 rebounds—along with a block and an assist—were especially notable given the limited minutes (16) she saw. “We’re talking about the A’ja Wilson’s of the world, (who) will go down as one of the greatest players of all time, and she still had a double-double,” observed Wilton Jackson II, who covers the Dream and the SEC for The IX. “As she continues to get more playing time, she’s going to be a force.”

Okot’s performance was a testament to her physical tools and basketball IQ, but it also underscored the Atlanta Dream’s need for a true interior presence. The team has long struggled with depth in the post, a gap they attempted to address with signings like Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones. Yet, as USA TODAY Sports senior WNBA reporter Meghan L. Hall noted, “Atlanta has been in dire need of a big for a couple of seasons now, really just an interior presence in the post.” Okot’s arrival—drafted 13th overall after one season at South Carolina—has filled that void in ways the Dream’s frontcourt hadn’t seen in years.

Okot’s path to the WNBA was unconventional. After arriving in the U.S. from Kenya, she played just two seasons of NCAA basketball—one at South Carolina under Dawn Staley—before entering the draft. Her limited college eligibility meant she had less time to refine her game compared to peers. But her athleticism and versatility—including a 44.8% three-point shooting percentage in college—have made her a standout in Atlanta’s system. Coach Karl Smesko, who led the Dream to a league-leading rebounding season in 2025, has praised Okot’s ability to “navigate through traffic” with her footwork, a skill that has already set her apart in the WNBA.

From Netball to Basketball: Scholastica Wileka’s Inspiring Rise

While Okot’s story has captivated WNBA fans, a similar narrative is unfolding in Kenya, where 16-year-old Scholastica Wileka is following a path eerily similar to Okot’s. Wileka, who grew up playing netball in rural western Kenya, switched to basketball in 2024 at the age of 16 after her coach, Phillip Onyango, recognized her potential. “I remember seeing Wileka playing netball, and I could immediately pick out that with her height and good defensive instincts, she would make a good basketballer,” Onyango told Olympics.com. “Like Madina, I knew Wileka would make a good basketballer.”

Wileka’s transition from netball to basketball was swift, driven by her coach’s encouragement and her own determination. “When my coach encouraged me to move to basketball, I didn’t hesitate to try it out,” Wileka said. “I think basketball is way easier; netball has a lot more rules. I also found there were some transferable skills like steals, which made it easy for me to settle into the game.” Her journey mirrors Okot’s in more ways than one—both athletes found their calling in basketball after initially excelling in other sports, and both have been shaped by coaches who saw potential beyond their initial games.

Wileka’s rapid development is a testament to her work ethic and adaptability. “Looking back, I have truly come a long, long way,” she reflected. “I remember my first days on the court, I didn’t know how to handle the ball, how to dribble, or shoot…. Nothing. So besides learning from the coaches, I have kept on watching a lot of NBA videos online just to see how the best in the game dominates the game with their brilliant plays.” Her dedication has not gone unnoticed, and she is now poised to represent Kenya at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, where she will look to build on her early success and inspire the next generation of African basketballers.

Why Okot’s Fit with Atlanta is More Than Just Talent

Okot’s immediate impact with the Atlanta Dream extends beyond her stats. Her ability to shoot from three, her mobility in the post, and her defensive presence have made her a perfect fit for Smesko’s system. The Dream’s frontcourt had been a work in progress, with Griner and Jones providing experience but leaving gaps in depth and versatility. Okot’s arrival has addressed those gaps, offering a younger, more athletic presence that complements the team’s veteran core.

Her success in limited minutes suggests that Okot’s role will expand as the season progresses. With Brionna Jones still recovering from knee surgery and her return timeline uncertain, Okot’s production has been amplified by the absence of another key contributor. But even as she continues to develop, her potential is clear. “I think everybody can see what Madina is capable of becoming,” Smesko said. “I really do think that she’s going to end up being one of the best players in this league. She has that type of ability.”

Okot’s journey also highlights the growing global pipeline for WNBA talent. Players like Okot and Wileka represent a new wave of athletes who are not just joining the league but also bringing fresh perspectives and skills. Their stories are a reminder that the WNBA’s future is not just about domestic talent but about athletes from around the world who are making their mark on the game.

The Road Ahead: What Okot and Wileka’s Stories Mean for Basketball

For Okot, the challenge will be maintaining her momentum as she adapts to the WNBA’s pace and physicality. Her early success suggests she has the tools to become a key player for the Dream, but her development will be closely watched, especially as Jones returns and the team looks to build on its championship aspirations.

Meanwhile, Wileka’s story is a microcosm of the opportunities that exist for young athletes in Africa. Her rapid rise from netball to basketball—and her potential to compete at the Youth Olympic Games—underscores the importance of early exposure and mentorship. As Okot’s journey inspires Wileka, it also serves as a blueprint for how young athletes can transition between sports and find success on the world stage.

The connection between Okot and Wileka is more than coincidental; it’s a testament to the power of role models and the impact of coaches who see potential where others might not. As Okot continues to make her mark in the WNBA, Wileka’s story reminds us that the game’s future is bright, diverse, and full of untapped potential.

What comes next for Okot is clear: more minutes, more responsibility, and the chance to prove she’s more than a rookie flash. For Wileka, the 2026 Youth Olympics will be her first major test, but her journey has only just begun. Together, their stories represent the next chapter in basketball’s global evolution.