NCAA confirms conclusion of Okot eligibility
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The season of competition waiver that South Carolina submitted to the NCAA for Madina Okot has been denied. The decision confirms that the Gamecock senior has exhausted her collegiate eligibility.
“Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue just the sport, but also to better her life,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said. “Her path included just a short time with us in Columbia, but we are grateful to be part of her story. She made our team and our sport better.”
In just two seasons in the NCAA, Okot became one of the top centers in the nation. This season she ranked third in the country with 22 double-doubles, 16th in rebounding average (10.6) and 19th in field goal percentage (.575). Okot was an All-SEC Second Team selection and was the Gamecocks’ top rebounder in 29 of her 39 games played, turning in one of the best rebounding seasons in program history. Okot ranks second in the program’s single-season record books in offensive rebounds (149) and third in both total rebounds (412) and defensive rebounds (263). Her 22 double-double are the fifth-most in a season in program history as well.
No. 2/2 South Carolina finished the season with a 36-4 record, including its fifth-straight SEC regular-season championship. The Gamecocks advanced to the NCAA Final Four for the sixth time in as many seasons and the seventh time under Staley.
