DePaul University Athletics
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Eli Cain
9/16/2020 12:27:00 PM | MEN'S BASKETBALL
Former Blue Demon star Cain ready to reign in Ukraine
CHICAGO – Welcome to a fun trip down memory lane as we present a series of feature profiles known as "Where Are They Now Wednesday."
In the middle of each week as we navigate our way around a deadly pandemic, we will bring back a little normalcy into your world reminiscing about some of those favorite Blue Demon players that you cheered on in the days when we could all get loud and rowdy at a packed arena or stadium where no one ever heard of social distancing.
We will get the DePaul community and Blue Demon nation caught up on the life and times of familiar faces who brought you good vibes during their playing days in Lincoln Park.
Some continue to pursue their dream of playing in the pros, both overseas and in this country while others have launched successful careers and started raising a family of their own.
One thing they all share is a deep, abiding sense of kinship and gratitude for the impact on their lives from the DePaul experience and the willing sacrifices of coaches and athletics personnel to kick-start a successful journey while unlocking their vast potential.
We shine this week's spotlight on the multi-talented, 6-foot, 6-inch guard Eli Cain (2015-19) who made the ultimate basketball sacrifice as a junior passing up scoring opportunities while transforming into a facilitating point guard for the good of his team.
The native of Willingboro, N.J. certainly left a lasting imprint on the DePaul basketball legacy. He became the first player in program history to record career marks of 1,400 points, 350 assists and 150 three-pointers during a game at Seton Hall in January of 2019.
The very next month, Cain became just the 12th player in DePaul history with 1,500 points during a game at Georgetown. He finished with a total of 1,642 points which placed him ninth on the all-time scoring list. He was also top 10 in four other offensive categories including fourth in three-pointers and eighth in assists.
The BIG EAST All-Freshman Team selection and two-time BIG EAST Academic Team honoree helped lead his team to a 19-17 record in his senior year and a runner-up finish in the College Basketball Invitational postseason tournament.
He helped lead Team USA sponsored by Athletes in Action to the gold medal at the 2018 FISU America Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Over the summer, Cain signed a contract to play overseas in Ukraine on a team coached by former Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors scout Chris Thomas. In his own words, he brings you up-to-date in this Q & A session.
How many years have you played overseas?
This will technically be my first full season since leaving DePaul. I only played three games last year because I went overseas in February after rehabbing from my broken wrist at DePaul. Then the season got cancelled because of coronavirus.
What country are you playing in and for what team? When did or does your season start?
MBC (Municipal Basketball Club) Mykolaiv in Ukraine. Our season starts Oct. 6 and runs to about April. There's a total of more than 40 games.
What are some of the highlights of your most recent season?
Averaged 19 points, four rebounds and four assists in the three games I played. There are two other Americans on the team---former Fairleigh Dickinson point guard Darnell Edge and ex-Georgia Tech forward Kam Holsey.
Tell us about the challenges of living in another country and adapting to a different culture.
Definitely a different vibe, and getting used to it is tough. But you just have to be willing to adapt and understand what you are there for. Finding some positive hobbies definitely help the situation and transition a lot smoother. I've been reading a lot, working on my clothing line and enjoying the city.
Where are you living, do you have a roommate, and what's the community like where you live?
I'm living in an apartment by myself right on the coast of the Black Sea. The community is pretty modern, a lot of things to do and places to see.
What is the food like over there? Have you sampled any of the local cuisine and do you have a favorite?
Food here is great actually. Most of the restaurants have the typical American food so there hasn't been much of an adjustment.
What American food do you miss the most?
Chick-fil-A for sure.
Through this experience abroad, what have you come to appreciate about life in the USA?
Everyday life. From the way people communicate to the way people drive.
How is the situation with the coronavirus in your country? What precautions are being taken to keep you healthy?
The number of cases here were never high actually so that was a big reason I signed with this team instead of some other deals I had because I knew I would have no trouble getting into the country and didn't have to worry about the virus being really active here.
How has COVID-19 affected your season?
It has not at all.
How do you keep up with the news back home---sports and otherwise? Who do you stay in contact with the most?
Just social media. I talk to the players that I played with that are still on the team here and there. Also keep in touch with some of the coaches and staff. Lucas Shapiro, Kevin Edwards and Tim Anderson.
Have you experienced homesickness? If so, how did you mitigate that feeling?
No. I've been away from home since my sophomore year in high school so I'm used to traveling and adjusting.
What did you learn from your DePaul experience that is helping you now?
I grew up at DePaul. As a player and as a man. A lot of ups and downs, but it taught me a lot, and I use that knowledge on a daily basis.
What are the best memories you have of being a Blue Demon?
Beating Providence at home my freshman year. Hitting the 1500 points mark, making the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team and just being around my teammates in the dorms and locker room.
What message would you pass onto current Blue Demons considering a pro career overseas?
Go for it. It's something that not many people can say they have done. If you have a plan whether it is to return back to the states and play or to get into a higher league overseas, just go for it.
In the middle of each week as we navigate our way around a deadly pandemic, we will bring back a little normalcy into your world reminiscing about some of those favorite Blue Demon players that you cheered on in the days when we could all get loud and rowdy at a packed arena or stadium where no one ever heard of social distancing.
We will get the DePaul community and Blue Demon nation caught up on the life and times of familiar faces who brought you good vibes during their playing days in Lincoln Park.
Some continue to pursue their dream of playing in the pros, both overseas and in this country while others have launched successful careers and started raising a family of their own.
One thing they all share is a deep, abiding sense of kinship and gratitude for the impact on their lives from the DePaul experience and the willing sacrifices of coaches and athletics personnel to kick-start a successful journey while unlocking their vast potential.
We shine this week's spotlight on the multi-talented, 6-foot, 6-inch guard Eli Cain (2015-19) who made the ultimate basketball sacrifice as a junior passing up scoring opportunities while transforming into a facilitating point guard for the good of his team.
The native of Willingboro, N.J. certainly left a lasting imprint on the DePaul basketball legacy. He became the first player in program history to record career marks of 1,400 points, 350 assists and 150 three-pointers during a game at Seton Hall in January of 2019.
The very next month, Cain became just the 12th player in DePaul history with 1,500 points during a game at Georgetown. He finished with a total of 1,642 points which placed him ninth on the all-time scoring list. He was also top 10 in four other offensive categories including fourth in three-pointers and eighth in assists.
The BIG EAST All-Freshman Team selection and two-time BIG EAST Academic Team honoree helped lead his team to a 19-17 record in his senior year and a runner-up finish in the College Basketball Invitational postseason tournament.
He helped lead Team USA sponsored by Athletes in Action to the gold medal at the 2018 FISU America Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Over the summer, Cain signed a contract to play overseas in Ukraine on a team coached by former Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors scout Chris Thomas. In his own words, he brings you up-to-date in this Q & A session.
How many years have you played overseas?
This will technically be my first full season since leaving DePaul. I only played three games last year because I went overseas in February after rehabbing from my broken wrist at DePaul. Then the season got cancelled because of coronavirus.
What country are you playing in and for what team? When did or does your season start?
MBC (Municipal Basketball Club) Mykolaiv in Ukraine. Our season starts Oct. 6 and runs to about April. There's a total of more than 40 games.
What are some of the highlights of your most recent season?
Averaged 19 points, four rebounds and four assists in the three games I played. There are two other Americans on the team---former Fairleigh Dickinson point guard Darnell Edge and ex-Georgia Tech forward Kam Holsey.
Tell us about the challenges of living in another country and adapting to a different culture.
Definitely a different vibe, and getting used to it is tough. But you just have to be willing to adapt and understand what you are there for. Finding some positive hobbies definitely help the situation and transition a lot smoother. I've been reading a lot, working on my clothing line and enjoying the city.
Where are you living, do you have a roommate, and what's the community like where you live?
I'm living in an apartment by myself right on the coast of the Black Sea. The community is pretty modern, a lot of things to do and places to see.
What is the food like over there? Have you sampled any of the local cuisine and do you have a favorite?
Food here is great actually. Most of the restaurants have the typical American food so there hasn't been much of an adjustment.
What American food do you miss the most?
Chick-fil-A for sure.
Through this experience abroad, what have you come to appreciate about life in the USA?
Everyday life. From the way people communicate to the way people drive.
How is the situation with the coronavirus in your country? What precautions are being taken to keep you healthy?
The number of cases here were never high actually so that was a big reason I signed with this team instead of some other deals I had because I knew I would have no trouble getting into the country and didn't have to worry about the virus being really active here.
How has COVID-19 affected your season?
It has not at all.
How do you keep up with the news back home---sports and otherwise? Who do you stay in contact with the most?
Just social media. I talk to the players that I played with that are still on the team here and there. Also keep in touch with some of the coaches and staff. Lucas Shapiro, Kevin Edwards and Tim Anderson.
Have you experienced homesickness? If so, how did you mitigate that feeling?
No. I've been away from home since my sophomore year in high school so I'm used to traveling and adjusting.
What did you learn from your DePaul experience that is helping you now?
I grew up at DePaul. As a player and as a man. A lot of ups and downs, but it taught me a lot, and I use that knowledge on a daily basis.
What are the best memories you have of being a Blue Demon?
Beating Providence at home my freshman year. Hitting the 1500 points mark, making the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team and just being around my teammates in the dorms and locker room.
What message would you pass onto current Blue Demons considering a pro career overseas?
Go for it. It's something that not many people can say they have done. If you have a plan whether it is to return back to the states and play or to get into a higher league overseas, just go for it.
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