The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program, led by the legendary Coach Dawn Staley, has long been a destination for talented athletes with big dreams. The latest buzz surrounds Madina Okot, a towering 6-foot-6 center transferring from Mississippi State, who is already making headlines with her aspirations and admiration for one of South Carolina’s brightest stars.

At her first media appearance in Columbia, Okot spoke candidly about her motivations and the player she looks up to the most—Kamilla Cardoso, the Gamecocks’ dominant center and national champion. “She is a role model,” Okot declared, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “I’ve watched Kamilla play for years. Her presence on the court, her leadership, and the way she lifts her teammates are things I want to bring to my own game.”

Dawn Staley, known for developing some of the top post players in the country, welcomed Okot’s ambition. “Madina has the physical tools, but what excites us most is her drive and willingness to learn,” Staley said. “If she wants to be like Kamilla, she’s aiming high—and we love that.”

Okot’s transfer comes at a time when South Carolina continues to reload its roster with elite talent and championship expectations. Fans are already buzzing about the potential of a new era in the paint, with Okot eager to soak up every lesson from her coaches and teammates.

“I want to work hard, play for my team, and hopefully inspire the next generation the way Kamilla has inspired me,” Okot shared.

With role models like Cardoso and a coach like Staley guiding her, Madina Okot’s journey in Columbia is set to be one to watch.

Madina Okot, a 6-foot-6 center from Mississippi State committed to South Carolina women’s basketball on April 21 and officially signed, the school announced April 22.

Okot posted on social media late at night on April 21, implying the news from earlier in the day was true that she had committed. A source told The Greenville News April 21 that she had officially committed to coach Dawn Staley ‘s program.

Staley wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “A birdie just flew in the nest!!!” on April 21, which is what she says before recruitment announcements. According to social media posts, Okot was in Columbia with the Gamecocks and Staley from April 18-20.

Okot entered the transfer portal on April 4.

Okot played just one season at Mississippi State after spending two years playing for Zetech University in Kenya. As a junior, she started all 34 games and averaged 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

She had 12 double-doubles. In a win over Vanderbilt, Okot had 21 points and 23 rebounds.

Against Cal in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Okot had 14 points, 13 rebounds and in the season-ending loss to Southern Cal she had eight points, six rebounds and two steals.

The Gamecocks were in need of a true center, as both 6-5 Adhel Tac and Sakima Walker were battling injuries and trying to get healthy enough for quality minutes. Walker entered the transfer portal on April 8.

Sania Feagin, a 6-3 forward, was selected in the WNBA draft. Although freshman Joyce Edwards will likely take her place in the starting lineup if Staley wants to go with three guards and two forwards, Okot can provide quality minutes off the bench as Tac works to get more comfortable.

Staley said she wanted someone with experience and although Okot only spent one year in the SEC, it’s a huge advantage that she’s comfortable with the physicality of the conference and has knowledge of what it’s like to face a lot of SEC defenses.