Kenyan basketball star Madina Okot come from di bench as her Atlanta Dream defeat New York Liberty 83-65 for di WNBA regular-season finale for Barclays Center for Brooklyn on Wednesday, to secure di fourth seed and home-court advantage for di opening round of di playoffs. President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto, wey dey for United States for di 81st United Nations General Assembly, attend di game to support di 22-year-old and meet her for di court afta, share selfie and small talk for Swahili.
"Dat one na very good honour. I appreciate am say e show up," Okot tell di Associated Press. "His presence show say e support sports for Kenya. I hope say my journey go create more opportunities for girls wey wan pursue career for sport."
Okot born for Mumias, e no start as basketball player. She play volleyball for Bishop Sulumeti High School before e move go Kaya Tiwi Secondary School for Kwale, wia dem introduce am to basketball for 2020. She join Kenya Ports Authority while she still dey school and become di leading rebounder for di 2021 FIBA Africa Women's Champions Cup, averaging 12.3 rebounds per game. Afta stint wit Zetech Sparks, four visa denial delay her move abroad before she join Mississippi State for di 2024-25 season, averaging 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds.
Okot later transfer go South Carolina, wia she average 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds and help di Gamecocks reach di NCAA championship final. Atlanta Dream select her 13th overall for di 2026 WNBA Draft. E dey listed at 6-foot-6, she finish her rookie regular season averaging 5.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
