Zetech Sparks’ towering forward Madina Okot is set to join the Mississippi State Women’s basketball team on a full scholarship.
This comes after she was granted a US visa on her fifth attempt. The 6-foot-6 powerhouse couldn’t hide her excitement after receiving the life-changing news.
“I’m thrilled. After being denied four times, I finally got my visa approved. It’s been a tough journey, but I never gave up. I kept pushing, and today, God came through for me,” Madina shared.
This marks her third full scholarship in just five years, following stints at Kaya Tiwi High School and Zetech University.
Kenya’s NBA Africa lead, Michael Finley, wasn’t surprised by Madina’s move, given her consistent rise in the sport.
“She’s stepping into a new level, where she’ll face tougher competition and higher expectations. But she’s proven she has the grit to succeed,” Finley remarked
Finley added that Madina needs to balance her on-court prowess with academic demands to thrive in the US. “She can’t play without getting what is required in the classroom,” he noted.
Madina is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. She made her national team debut at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she emerged as the standout player in Kenya’s 3x3 basketball squad.
“I was nervous, but I delivered beyond my expectations. Being voted player of the match in my first game on such a stage was overwhelming,” she recalled.
Kita Matungulu, the NBA director of basketball, noted that Madina’s move was instrumental in showcasing Kenya’s talent on the global stage.
“We have to thank a lot of the stakeholders, especially the US government for allowing her and many other young people to have this opportunity to play basketball and study in the USA. We are talking about the young Kenyan that can prosper on the next level,” said Kita.
