Kenyan basketball sensation Madina Okot has taken another significant step in her rapidly rising professional career after signing with Australia’s Tasmania Jewels ahead of the club’s inaugural Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season.
The 21-year-old Atlanta Dream center has been unveiled as the expansion franchise’s second import player and final roster addition, pending league approval, as the Jewels prepare to make their historic debut in Australia’s top-flight women’s basketball competition.
The move means Okot will spend the WNBA offseason in Australia before returning to the Atlanta Dream for the 2027 campaign, allowing her to compete at the highest level throughout the year.
Since joining the Dream, Okot has impressed with her rebounding ability, defensive presence and athleticism, establishing herself as one of the league’s most promising young frontcourt players.
For Tasmania, signing Okot is about much more than filling the final spot on the roster. WNBL clubs are restricted in the number of international players, commonly referred to as imports, they can recruit.
Okot said conversations with Atlanta Dream teammate Isobel Borlase and the Tasmania coaching staff convinced her to make the move.
“After talking to Izzy and having a Zoom with the coaches, they made everything so clear. I like the team’s culture; I like how they take good care of players, and I just can’t wait to meet you all.”
The Kenyan center also revealed that the move will be her first visit to Australia.
“I’ve never been to Australia before, so I’m excited to come over there and see what Tasmania has to offer.”
She believes competing in another elite league will accelerate her development.
“It is a very good experience of learning from the greatest and competing with the greatest players in the world, and I’m learning from the greatest coaches too.”
Tasmania Jewels head coach Claudia Brassard believes Okot completes a well-balanced inaugural squad capable of competing immediately.
“Okot is the final piece of our team. We’ll be very competitive. We have a good balance of experience and leadership, youth and hunger, but also playmakers, sharpshooters and interior presence.”
Brassard described the Kenyan center as one of the most exciting young talents in international basketball.
“Her game style is physical; her height and wingspan are intimidating. She’ll give us a big presence inside the paint, an elite rebounder who can also help us defensively.”
She added that Okot’s journey in basketball is only just beginning.
“She’s relatively new to basketball and her upside is huge. She’s only just scratching the surface.”
Some Australian basketball observers have even suggested Okot possesses the athleticism to become the first player ever to dunk during a WNBL game, a feat that would mark another historic milestone for both the league and the Kenyan star.
Okot’s signing allows her to play professionally throughout the year.
The WNBA season typically runs from May through September, while the WNBL takes place during the Northern Hemisphere winter. Rather than spending months away from competitive basketball, Okot will continue developing against high-level opposition before returning to Atlanta.
Second, the move gives her valuable international experience.
Australia’s WNBL is regarded as one of the strongest women’s basketball leagues in the world, featuring elite local talent and international stars. The competition is expected to sharpen Okot’s skills and prepare her for an even bigger role in the WNBA.
Finally, her signing further raises Kenya’s profile on the global basketball stage.
