The 2026 WNBA Draft rankings were finalized on Sunday after the Dallas Wings won the No. 1 pick in the Draft Lottery for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever, who finished the 2025 season with a 24-20 record and made it to the WNBA semifinals, hold the 10th overall pick in the first round.
With only two players under contract for 2026 besides superstar Caitlin Clark, Indiana head coach Stephanie White and GM Amber Cox face the challenge of acquiring draft picks to help keep the Fever competitive next season. One of those two players is second-team All-WNBA center Aliyah Boston, but experts believe Indiana will use their 2026 first-round pick to add another top center from the South Carolina Gamecocks to support Clark.
In ESPN’s post-lottery 2026 WNBA Mock Draft, Michael Vaupel projected the Fever would select Gamecocks center Madina Okot with the 10th pick. The 6-foot-6 senior has been impressive during South Carolina’s undefeated start this season, averaging a double-double with 13.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and leading the team with 2.2 blocks per game. Vaupel described Okot as a traditional center whose defensive skills remain valuable in the WNBA.
Okot, originally from Kenya, transferred from Mississippi State to South Carolina to complete her final college season under famed coach Dawn Staley, who has developed notable WNBA stars including 2025 MVP A’ja Wilson. Last season, the Fever lacked a player like Okot on their roster; only two players were taller than 6-foot-3, with Boston standing at 6-foot-5 but burdened with extra responsibilities due to injuries.
The Fever still have roster decisions to finalize before the draft, including the futures of free agents Lexi Hull and Sophie Cunningham, pending a new collective bargaining agreement. Retaining All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell remains a top priority, and ensuring a full, healthy season from Caitlin Clark would be a major advantage for the team in 2026. Regardless, acquiring Okot could significantly strengthen the roster.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for WNBA fans as it highlights Indiana’s strategic moves to build around Caitlin Clark, potentially making the Fever even more formidable. Adding a defensive powerhouse like Madina Okot could reshape the team’s dynamics and elevate the level of competition in the league.
