The 2026 WNBA Draft is still months away, but the rumors are already sending shockwaves through Fever Nation. With the NCAA women’s basketball season underway, analysts and fans are piecing together how the draft board may shake out — and for Indiana, this could be a franchise-defining moment.
The Fever are entering a pivotal period. With former #1 overall picks Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark forming the team’s elite core, Indiana already has championship aspirations. Clark’s season-ending injury in July was a devastating blow, yet the team defied expectations, making a surprising playoff run that extended to the fifth and deciding game of the WNBA semifinals. Now, with a fully healthy roster, the Fever are being pegged as one of the early favorites to capture the 2026 crown.
And the draft could accelerate that journey. Holding the 10th overall pick, Indiana finds itself in a deep frontcourt class — one that may yield a rare gem capable of transforming the team’s dynamic. Enter Madina Okot.
A fresh ESPN first-round mock has projected Fever general manager Amber Cox will select South Carolina center Okot with the 10th pick. At 6’6”, Okot combines length, athleticism, and a defensive presence that could completely reshape Indiana’s interior. Her arrival alongside Caitlin Clark would offer the perfect complementary fit: elite rim protection, vertical spacing, and more room for Clark to work her magic on offense. In her own words, Clark is thrilled about the potential pairing:
“Honestly, I love the idea. Playing alongside a 6’6” center would completely open up our offense. It gives us vertical spacing, it gives us rim protection, and it lets me be more creative with the ball. I’ve always believed great teams are built on versatility, and adding someone with that size and mobility could change everything for us. If the Fever see that as our next step, I’m all in — because I want to win, and I know that kind of talent can help us get there.”
Okot’s path to the WNBA, however, is not guaranteed. Though she is listed as a senior, she retains one year of collegiate eligibility, pending NCAA approval of a waiver. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, known for her competitive drive, is expected to do everything possible to keep Okot in Columbia. The Kenyan native made her U.S. debut with Mississippi State last season, helping the Bulldogs reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Since transferring to South Carolina, she has quickly emerged as a dominant presence: averaging 13.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game through five contests. Her highlight-reel performances — including a 23-point, 11-rebound, 3-block explosion — have already turned heads across the league.
Adding intrigue to the mix, Staley confirmed that Aliyah Boston, a three-time WNBA All-Star, will visit Columbia next week. The former Gamecocks standout could play a critical role in pitching Indiana to Okot, giving her an insider’s perspective on the Fever’s championship potential.
For Indiana, the stakes could not be higher. A 6’6” interior force joining a Clark-led offense might be exactly the blueprint the team needs to contend for a title. But everything depends on Okot’s decision: will she declare for the 2026 draft, or will she stay in college another year?
The answer will reverberate through the WNBA and potentially rewrite the map for the Fever. One thing is clear: a pairing of Caitlin Clark and a 6’6” frontcourt dynamo would instantly become one of the most electrifying duos in the league. And as fans watch the college season unfold, everyone will be asking the same question: is the next WNBA superstar already lining up in Columbia?
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