Angel Reese excited by Dream’s Madina Okot first-round draft pick

Atlanta’s newest star, Angel Reese, is elated about the Dream’s pick at this year’s WNBA draft. The team selected Madina Okot, a South Carolina product, with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Reese, who was recently acquired by the Dream in a trade with the Sky, expressed her excitement about the pick, calling Okot “another walking double-double.”

Okot, a 6-foot-6 senior from South Carolina, has been a standout player for the Gamecocks, averaging a double-double during the 2025-26 season with 12.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. She also contributed 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per game while shooting an impressive 57.5 percent from the field. With Brittney Griner leaving for Connecticut in free agency, Okot will play a crucial role in filling the void left by Griner’s departure.

Dream general manager Dan Padover praised Okot’s size and versatility, stating that her ability to crash the boards and stretch the floor makes her a valuable addition to the team. He emphasized that Okot is still early in her basketball career and has a lot of potential for growth, which the coaching staff is excited to work with.

During her post-draft press conference, Okot expressed her excitement about being selected by the Dream, calling it a dream come true moment for her. With Reese leading the team after leading the WNBA in double-doubles with 23 and averaging 14.7 points and 3.7 assists per game, the addition of Okot adds depth and talent to the Dream roster.

Overall, the Dream’s pick of Madina Okot has generated excitement and optimism among the team and fans alike. With Reese and Okot leading the charge, the Dream look poised for success in the upcoming WNBA season. Recent studies have shown that the key to living a longer, healthier life may lie in our gut. Our gut microbiome, which is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being.

The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem that interacts with our immune system, helps to digest food, and produces essential vitamins and nutrients. When the balance of microbes in our gut is disrupted, it can lead to a variety of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and even mental health disorders.

Research has shown that the composition of the gut microbiome can be influenced by a number of factors, including diet, exercise, and stress. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, while consuming a diet high in processed foods and sugar can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

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In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using probiotics and prebiotics to support the gut microbiome. Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for gut health, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Both probiotics and prebiotics can help to restore balance to the gut microbiome and improve overall health.

Overall, the research is clear: a healthy gut microbiome is essential for a longer, healthier life. By focusing on factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management, we can support the health of our gut microbiome and improve our overall well-being. It’s time to start paying more attention to our guts and the microbes that call it home.