Nancy Mulkey Selected to Naismith Trophy Watch List

Posted: November 17, 2020 -- 12:08 p.m. CT

Rice senior center Nancy Mulkey has been named as one of 50 watch list candidates for the 2021 Women's Naismith Trophy.

Also selected to the Lisa Leslie Award Watch List last week, Mulkey was voted this year's Conference USA Co-Preseason Player of the Year and named to the C-USA Preseason Team. The two-time C-USA Defensive Player of the Year ranked fifth in the NCAA last season in blocks per game (3.21) and earned a spot on the All-Conference First Team and All-Defensive Team for a second straight season after averaging 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.0 blocks during league play.

Mulkey becomes the second Owl in as many years to be named to the Naismith Trophy Watch List after former teammate Erica Ogwumike accomplished the feat last year.

"The competition for the 2021 Women's Naismith Trophy will intensify as more players enter the competition throughout the season, but these 50 candidates are the early contenders to watch," said Eric Oberman, executive director of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. "While last season was unlike any college basketball season we've experienced, we hope these athletes have the opportunity to compete through their entire schedule this season and showcase the full breadth of their abilities and talent."

The midseason 30 team will be announced in early February; players who do not make the watch list are still eligible to be selected for the midseason 30 team. Then, the competition will be narrowed down to 10 national semifinalists on March 2, 2021, and four finalists will be named on March 19, 2021. The winner of the 2021 Naismith Trophy for Women's Player of the Year will be announced on April 3, 2021.

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2021 Women's Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List

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