South Carolina senior Madina Okot has been named to the 2026 Lisa Leslie Award Midseason Top 10, as announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in partnership with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. The Lisa Leslie Award honors the top center in women’s college basketball and has previously been awarded to a South Carolina player five times in its eight-year history.
Okot’s performance this season places her among the leading players nationally. She has recorded 14 double-doubles, ranking eighth in the country, holds a .596 field goal percentage (14th), and averages 10 rebounds per game (24th). Her season averages include 13.3 points and 10 rebounds per game. In addition, she is fifth in the SEC for blocks per game at 1.5 and offensive rebounds per game at 3.5. Okot has converted 43.3 percent of her offensive rebounds into immediate points. During SEC play, she leads her team with an average of 1.9 steals per game, ranking her 11th in the conference.
The selection process will continue as the list is narrowed from ten to five candidates in mid-March. Later that month, five finalists will be presented to Lisa Leslie and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee, which consists of media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
Fans can participate in voting during both remaining rounds starting Friday, February 6 at hoophallawards.com. The fan vote will count as one vote on the committee during finalist selection.
Other South Carolina players are also being recognized on national award lists: Raven Johnson for the Nancy Lieberman Award (Point Guard), Ta’Niya Latson for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (Shooting Guard), and Joyce Edwards for the Katrina McClain Award (Power Forward).
The winner of this year’s Lisa Leslie Award will be announced alongside recipients of other awards recognizing top players at each position: Nancy Lieberman Award (Point Guard), Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (Shooting Guard), Cheryl Miller Award (Small Forward), and Katrina McClain Award (Power Forward).
South Carolina, currently ranked No. 3 nationally, hosts Mississippi State tonight at Colonial Life Arena and will face No. 19 Tennessee on Sunday, February 8.
For further updates about South Carolina women’s basketball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow @GamecockWBB on social media.
“Okot’s numbers rank her among the best in the nation with her 14 double-doubles coming in eighth, her .596 field goal percentage 14th and her 10.0 rebounds per game 24th. She averages a double-double on the season with 13.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Her 1.5 blocks per game are fifth in the SEC as are her 3.5 offensive rebounds per outing. Okot has turned 43.3 percent of her offensive rebounds into immediate points. In SEC play, she is 11th with a team-best 1.9 steals per game.”
“In mid-March, the Midseason Top 10 list will be narrowed to just five, and in late-March, five finalists will be presented to Leslie and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee, which will select the winner.”
“The selection committees are composed of top women’s college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers.”
“Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in both of the remaining rounds starting on Fri., Feb. 6, at hoophallawards.com.”
“The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process.”
“The Gamecocks appear on four of the Women’s Starting Five lists – Raven Johnson for the Nancy Lieberman Award, Ta’Niya Latson for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, Joyce Edwards for the Katrina McClain Award and Okot for the Lisa Leslie Award.”
“The winner of the 2026 Lisa Leslie Award will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the four other members of the Women’s Starting Five.”
“Additional Awards being presented include Nancy Lieberman Award (Point Guard), Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (Shooting Guard), Cheryl Miller Award (Small Forward) and Katrina McClain Award (Power Forward).”
“No. 3/3 South Carolina hosts two home games this week with Mississippi State coming to Colonial Life Arena tonight and No.19/17 Tennessee visiting on Sun., Feb .8.”
“Continue to check GamecocksOnline.com and team’s social media accounts (@GamecockWBB) for more information on program.”
