6'6 Kenyan superstar Madina Okot joining Mississippi State women's basketball

Last season, Sam Purcell grabbed a player from the Dominican Republic to add to his team and this year he’s recruiting in Kenya.

The coach has found a hidden gem in Madina Okot as the Kenyan National team standout was signed to play her college career in Starkville, Miss., for Mississippi State. The University made her signing official on Tuesday as she adds her talent to the 2024-25 roster and Okot will be a freshman this year.

“I’m very excited to play for an incredible fan base, staff and program at Mississippi State,” Okot said in a statement released by MSU. “I know the fans will embrace my hustle and effort on both ends of the floor. Coach Purcell and his staff have a reputation of developing talent to reach the professional level and I have no doubt that they will help me achieve all of my goals. I can’t wait to get to work with my teammates and coaches.”

After signing Rocio Jimenez out of the Dominican and Florida High School basketball last year and getting her on campus a year early this year, Purcell is going to add more international size to the roster in Okot. She stands 6’6 but has some special athleticism for her size.

Okot was a former volleyball player that began to fall in love with basketball a few years ago and has been perfecting her craft on the African national teams. Last year, Okot represented her home country on the Nike Hoop Summit team as the only Kenyan on the Team World list. Former State target and Baylor freshman Letycia Vasconcelos was also on the team of 12 that qualified back last spring.

Her work against Team USA drew eyeballs to Okot and she would ultimately signed by current MSU Associate Head Coach Fred Castro who was the head coach at Eastern Michigan. Okot never enrolled with EMU but will now be starting her career in the states in 2024-25 with the Bulldogs.

Okot’s addition is a welcome sign for Purcell and Bulldog fans. State’s roster was down to five players before the addition of the freshman class after the loss of Darrione Rogers, Mjracle Sheppard, Ramani Parker, Jasmine Brown-Hagger and Nyoyngah Gony to the transfer portal.

Jessika Carter and Erynn Brown graduating meant State’s post depth was thin with Quanirah Montague the only player with any experience returning. Okot adds to a promising young core in the post as far as talent is concerned.

“Madina Okot is the definition of a diamond in the rough. Through her international experience with the Kenyan National Team, FIBA 3X3 and Nike Hoops Summit World Team, we were able to evaluate her as a top prospect with a bright future,” Purcell said. “At 6’6, she immediately impacts our team with her size, athleticism and unique skill set. I can’t wait to get her on campus and on the court for our fans to embrace her.”