Cain named to Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List

Nebraska center Kate Cain is no stranger to being a defensive presence.

The 6-foot-5 senior has a reputation for blocking, or at least altering, a majority of the shots that are attempted near her. That reputation has turned itself into a spot among 14 others on the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year 2021 Watch List.

Cain owns the season block records for a Husker freshman (100), sophomore (79), and junior (101). With 40 blocked shots this season already, Cain is on pace for 351 by the end of the regular season. She needs to surpass 369 career blocked shots to be in the top 25 for college women’s basketball all-time.

Although no decision has been announced, Cain could continue rewriting the record books next season. The NCAA is allowing all winter sport athletes another year of eligibility, meaning if Cain were to play a fifth year, she could end up with more than 460 career blocked shots, good for top five all-time.

Cain currently ranks No. 6 in Big Ten history and No. 2 nationally in career blocks among active NCAA Division I players.

But there is plenty of season to go for the 8-5 Huskers, anchored by a defense, led by Cain, allowing just 65 points on a game on 35 percent shooting.