BASKETBALL
Frank Rotich 1 day ago

WNBA star Angel Reese backs Kenya’s Okot to shine

Madina Okot in action. [Courtesy Atlanta Dream]

Kenyan basketball star Madina Okot has received strong support from WNBA star Angel Reese, who believes the rookie has what it takes to dominate the league.

Reese, who plays alongside Okot at the Atlanta Dream, said she has been encouraging the Kenyan center to use her size and skill to overpower opponents.

Speaking after Okot’s impressive performance against defending champions Las Vegas Aces, Reese described the Kenyan as a talented player with a bright future ahead.

“She is like my little sister,” Reese said. “I keep telling her to stay focused and hungry because she is bigger and more skilled than many rookies.”

Okot recently recorded her first WNBA double-double after scoring 14 points and collecting 11 rebounds in Atlanta Dream’s narrow 85-84 loss to the Aces.

The Kenyan, who only started playing basketball in 2020 at the age of 16, has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most exciting young players in the league.

Reese praised Okot’s rapid growth and said the Atlanta Dream environment is helping her improve every day.

“She has great players around her and she is learning from experienced teammates,” Reese added. “She has everything she needs to become a top player in this league.”

Dream head coach Karl Smesko had also earlier praised Okot’s competitiveness in training, saying her future in the WNBA could be “off the charts” once she fully adapts to the league.

Okot has featured in every game this season and continues to impress fans with her maturity and determination.

Her strong performances are also giving hope to Kenyan basketball supporters, who believe she could become one of the country’s greatest basketball exports.