Episodes
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Aaron Johnston has spent the last 26 seasons building South Dakota State University into one of the premier mid-major programs in women’s college basketball. Under his leadership, the Jackrabbits have dominated the Summit League, consistently winning conference championships and earning NCAA Tournament berths. Most recently, SDSU has reached the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive seasons, continuing a standard of excellence that has made the Jackrabbits the benchmark for success in the conference.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Johnston’s career is that he successfully guided the program through its transition from Division II to Division I without missing a beat. While many programs struggle through that process, the Jackrabbits quickly established themselves as contenders at the Division I level. Johnston has also intentionally challenged his teams with demanding Power Four non-conference schedules, believing those early-season tests prepare his players to compete in March and elevate the program into the national conversation year after year.
As South Dakota State enters a new chapter following the departure of star Brooklyn Meyer, plenty of attention will be on how the Jackrabbits respond. Even with key pieces to replace, Johnston’s track record suggests the expectations won't change. With a culture built on player development, consistency, and championship habits, South Dakota State is poised to remain one of the nation's top mid-major programs and a team capable of making noise in the NCAA Tournament every season.
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Bill Armstrong’s first season as a college head coach could hardly have gone better. Taking over at McNeese State University, Armstrong led the Cowboys to a 28–6 record, a Southland Conference Tournament Championship, and the program’s third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Despite being in his first year leading a Division I program, Armstrong seamlessly transitioned into the role, building on McNeese’s winning culture while putting his own stamp on one of the nation’s top mid-major teams.
What made McNeese especially unique was its relentless defensive identity. Armstrong’s philosophy centered around applying pressure for the full 40 minutes, with the Cowboys utilizing a full-court press that consistently disrupted opponents and forced mistakes. The results were staggering, as McNeese finished among the national leaders in multiple defensive categories, including turnovers forced and steals, establishing itself as one of the most difficult teams in the country to play against. The defensive mindset reflected Armstrong’s coaching background, which included successful stops at University of Mississippi, Louisiana State University, and Baylor University, as well as a national championship-winning run at Link Academy.
Rather than taking a step back after a historic season, Armstrong has positioned McNeese for another strong run. The Cowboys added seven high-major transfers this offseason, bringing even more talent and depth into a program that has already proven it can win at a high level. With Armstrong’s system firmly in place and an upgraded roster entering the year, McNeese appears primed to remain one of the most dangerous mid-major teams in the country and a serious contender for another NCAA Tournament berth.
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David Richman continues to add to his legacy at North Dakota State University, leading the Bison to another Summit League Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance this past season. In the process, NDSU set a program record for wins in a single season, further cementing the team's place among the nation's top mid-major programs. More than a decade removed from winning a conference title in his first season as head coach, Richman has once again guided the Bison to the top of the Summit League.
What makes NDSU's success particularly impressive is its consistency in an era of constant change across college athletics. Richman has been a part of the program since 2003, helping establish a culture built on player development, accountability, and long-term success. While roster turnover and transfer portal movement have become the norm throughout college basketball, the Bison have remained one of the sport's most stable programs, with Richman's leadership serving as the foundation for that sustained success.
Now, the focus shifts to building on another championship season and continuing the standard that has defined NDSU basketball for years. As the program looks toward future Summit League titles and NCAA Tournament appearances, Richman is also closing in on becoming the all-time winningest coach in school history. With his impact already deeply woven into the fabric of the program, another milestone appears well within reach as he continues to shape the next chapter of Bison basketball.
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John Groce is embarking on a new chapter as the head coach of College of Charleston, taking over one of the most tradition-rich programs in college basketball. Charleston boasts the sixth-highest winning percentage in college basketball history, and the program’s expectations remain as high as ever. By bringing in Groce, the Cougars have secured one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in the mid-major ranks to lead them into their next era.
Groce arrives in Charleston after a remarkable nine-year run at University of Akron, where he built the Zips into one of the most consistent winners in the country. Most notably, Akron captured three consecutive MAC Championships, becoming the first program in conference history to accomplish that feat. Under Groce’s leadership, the Zips developed a reputation for toughness, discipline, and sustained excellence, regularly competing for championships and earning national respect.
Now, Groce takes over a Charleston program that is already one of the most attractive jobs in mid-major basketball. With the school’s winning tradition, strong fan support, and resources, the Cougars are positioned to become a major force under his leadership. The combination of Charleston’s history and Groce’s proven track record has made the program one of the most intriguing stories in college basketball, and expectations will be high as the Cougars look to contend for championships in the years ahead.
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Jevon Yarbrough just completed one of the most dominant individual seasons in all of Division III basketball, leading Hood College to a historic year. Yarbrough guided the Blazers to a MAC Championship and helped deliver the program’s first NCAA Tournament win while rewriting the record books in the process. He set new single-season program records in both points and assists, cementing himself as one of the most impactful players in school history and emerging as one of the top guards in the country.
Following the season, Yarbrough became a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal, drawing significant interest and offers from both Division I and Division II programs. Instead of leaving, he made the surprising decision to return to Hood for his final collegiate season. In an era where standout lower-level players often move up immediately, Yarbrough’s choice to stay loyal to the program that helped elevate his career could potentially set a new precedent for Division III basketball players weighing similar opportunities.
Now, expectations around Hood basketball have completely changed. After reaching the Sweet 16 and returning the face of the program for one more season, the Blazers enter the year with legitimate national attention and championship aspirations. With Yarbrough back leading the way, Hood won’t just be viewed as a dangerous underdog anymore—they’ll be expected to compete with the very best teams in Division III basketball.
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Owen Foxwell’s basketball journey has already been unlike almost anyone entering college basketball. After spending the last four years playing professionally in Australia’s National Basketball League, one of the top pro leagues in the world, Foxwell steadily developed into a high-level guard while posting career-best numbers this past season. Originally committed to Louisiana State University, Foxwell ultimately reopened his recruitment before committing to University of Wisconsin, giving the Badgers one of the most unique and experienced additions in college basketball.
Foxwell’s move to the NCAA has sparked major conversation across the basketball world, particularly surrounding his eligibility. Because of his professional background in the NBL and the fact that he went through the NBA Draft process last year when he became draft eligible, many questioned whether he would still be able to play college basketball. His path has created broader discussions around international players, professional experience, and how eligibility rules continue evolving in today’s game.
Despite all the attention and uncertainty surrounding the transition, Foxwell is confident his professional experience will allow him to adapt to college basketball almost seamlessly. Having already competed against grown professionals for multiple years, he enters Wisconsin with a level of maturity, physicality, and understanding of the game that few incoming players possess. With high expectations surrounding both Foxwell and the Badgers, his transition from the NBL to the Big Ten will be one of the most intriguing storylines in college basketball next season.
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Carly Thibault-DuDonis has quickly built Fairfield University into one of the premier mid-major programs in women’s college basketball. In just four seasons as head coach, she has led the Stags to three straight MAAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances, establishing a culture of consistency and winning that has elevated Fairfield onto the national stage. Year after year, the Stags have continued to dominate the conference while earning recognition as one of the best mid-major teams in the country.
What separates Fairfield is its offensive identity. The Stags have consistently ranked near the top of the nation in both three-point percentage and total three-pointers made, thriving in a modern 5-out offensive system that emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and player freedom. Fairfield’s ability to stretch defenses and create efficient offensive looks has made them one of the most entertaining and difficult teams to guard in the country, while also showcasing Thibault-DuDonis’ creativity and adaptability as a coach.
Now, the next step for the program is breaking through on the NCAA Tournament stage. Despite the program’s sustained success and conference dominance, Thibault-DuDonis is still chasing her first NCAA Tournament victory as a head coach. With key core pieces returning and the foundation of the program stronger than ever, Fairfield appears poised for another major run—and potentially the breakthrough moment that could take the Stags to an entirely new level nationally.
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Travis Steele has quickly transformed Miami University men’s basketball into one of the most talked-about programs in the country. In just his tenure with the RedHawks, Steele led the program to its best season in school history, finishing an incredible 32–2 and earning an NCAA Tournament victory. Miami (OH) captured national attention with an undefeated regular season, forcing its way into the spotlight as one of the most dominant mid-major teams in the nation.
At the center of that rise has been Steele’s offensive system, which has turned the RedHawks into one of the most explosive teams in the country. Miami (OH) finished fourth nationally in scoring offense, driven by a modern, fast-paced approach with a heavy emphasis on three-point shooting and spacing. Their ability to stretch defenses, create open looks, and consistently knock down shots from deep made them incredibly difficult to guard and a nightmare matchup for opponents all season long.
Even with all that success, Miami (OH) remained at the center of national debate due to its strength of schedule, with critics questioning their résumé and tournament worthiness. Steele’s group embraced the conversation and used it as fuel, proving people wrong with every win and ultimately validating themselves on the NCAA Tournament stage. With a new arena project underway and momentum at an all-time high, the RedHawks are not just a one-year story—they’re building toward a future where this level of success becomes the standard.
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Brett Reed has been the face of Lehigh University men’s basketball for the last 20 years, building one of the most respected mid-major programs in the country. This season marked a major milestone as Reed led the Mountain Hawks to their first Patriot League Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012, a full-circle moment for a coach who has consistently kept Lehigh competitive on the national stage. His longevity, consistency, and ability to develop talent has made him one of the premier coaches in the league.
Reed is perhaps best known nationally for leading one of the greatest upsets in March Madness history, when #15 Lehigh stunned #2 Duke in the 2012 NCAA Tournament, a win still considered one of the top upsets in tournament history. That team was led by future NBA star CJ McCollum, one of the many high-level players Reed has coached and developed during his tenure. That victory cemented Lehigh’s place in tournament history and showcased Reed’s ability to prepare his teams for the biggest moments.
Now, over a decade later, Reed has guided the program back to championship form. With another Patriot League title, a return to March Madness, and a new generation of players carrying the program forward, Lehigh continues to reflect the culture Reed has built over two decades. From historic upsets to sustained success, his career is a blueprint for what long-term leadership and program building can look like in college basketball.
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Neruda and KJ break down a packed championship week, starting with the Division III National Championship where University of Mary Washington captured its first title in program history with a win over Emory University. The hosts dive into what made Mary Washington’s run so special, from their young core stepping up to their mature play style throughout the tournament, and what ultimately separated them on the biggest stage.
They then shift to the Division I level, where University of Michigan took down University of Connecticut to win the national championship—marking the Big Ten’s first men’s title since 2000. Head coach Dusty May secures his first championship, and Neruda and KJ break down Michigan’s run, what it means for the conference, and how this title reshapes the national landscape.
On the women’s side, the episode dives into the ongoing conversation surrounding Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley, unpacking the broader implications, narratives, and what it says about the current state of women’s college basketball. The discussion expands into the NBA, where they give their takes on the MVP race, debating the top candidates and what should ultimately matter most when deciding the award.
To close, Neruda and KJ turn their attention to the coaching carousel across Division I basketball, grading some of the most notable recent hires and discussing which programs made the biggest moves heading into next season.
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Jair Knight and Ben Pearce have built a reputation as the best duo in Division III basketball, a title they’ve backed up with consistent dominance over the past few years at Emory University. Their chemistry, versatility, and ability to take over games in different ways have made them one of the most feared pairings in the country, setting the standard for excellence at the Division III level.
That leadership has translated directly into team success this season, as Emory captured the UAA title and powered its way to the program's first ever National Championship game. The Eagles have been one of the most complete teams in the country all year, combining offensive firepower with disciplined execution, and Knight and Pearce have been at the center of it all as the program puts together one of its best seasons ever.
Individually, both players have reached new heights this year. Knight, one of the most electric, high-flying players in the country, earned Second Team All-American honors while continuing his steady rise as one of the most dominant and dynamic players in the country. Pearce, a true do-it-all point guard, has been recognized as the Division III Player of the Year, controlling every aspect of the game with his scoring and playmaking.
Together, they’ve capped off remarkable collegiate careers—and now, with one final opportunity ahead, the duo will take the floor for the last time in an Emory uniform in the National Championship against University of Mary Washington, looking to finish their journey on top and solidify their mark on Division III basketball.
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Jay Randall and Kye Robinson have put together standout seasons to lead University of Mary Washington to new heights. Randall earned First Team All-Conference honors for the second straight year, continuing to establish himself as one of the most consistent forwards in Division III, while Robinson has emerged as one of the top players in the country, earning Second Team All-American recognition. Together, the duo has formed one of the most impactful 1-2 combinations in the nation, setting the tone on both ends of the floor.
What makes this run even more impressive is the leap this Mary Washington team has taken without a single senior on the roster. A young, hungry group has rapidly developed into one of the best teams in the country, combining high-level scoring, defensive prowess, and depth to lead their way to a current 29-3 record. Their growth from last year to now has been evident in both their record and individual statistics, proving they are ahead of schedule and built for a career of success.
That growth has fully translated to March, where the Eagles have put together a historic NCAA Tournament run. Their biggest statement came in the Final Four, where they knocked off defending national champion Trinity College, punching their ticket to the first National Championship game in program history.
Now, Mary Washington has one final challenge ahead: a National Championship matchup against #2 ranked Emory University. With momentum, confidence, and two star players leading the way, the Eagles are one win away from completing a historic season and bringing home the first title in program history.
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Two of the most dominant programs in Division III basketball take center stage in this episode, as New York University women’s basketball and Trinity College men’s basketball continue historic runs. NYU has built a dynasty, riding a remarkable 91-game winning streak while pursuing a third straight national championship, firmly establishing itself as the standard in Division III. On the men’s side, Trinity is coming off a national championship last season and spent a majority of this year ranked #1 in the country, continuing to prove they are one of the best programs in the nation.
For NYU, Caroline Peper has been at the center of another dominant season. She earned UAA Player of the Year honors, surpassed the 1,000-point milestone, and was named Region 4 Player of the Year, solidifying herself as one of the top players in the country. Her consistency, leadership, and ability to take over games have been key drivers behind NYU’s continued dominance.
On the men’s side, Jarrel Okorougo is putting together the best season of his career. Earning All-NESCAC First Team honors, Okorougo has taken a major leap as a scorer while continuing to impact the game on both ends. His growth has been a major factor in Trinity maintaining its status as a national powerhouse following last year’s title run.
Now, both programs turn their focus to massive matchups today in the NCAA Tournament. NYU faces University of Scranton in a Final Four clash between the only two unbeaten teams in the country, while Trinity prepares for an Elite 8 showdown against Tufts University, a familiar NESCAC rival that handed them a loss earlier this season. With championship stakes on the line, both teams are set for defining moments in their already historic seasons.
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Marcus Montagnino and Elijah Kinney have been at the center of one of the most special seasons in Endicott College history. The Gulls sit at 28–1, fueled by the growth of a roster that has taken a major leap from last season to now becoming a legitimate national contender. Montagnino and Kinney have formed one of the most dynamic duos in Division III basketball, both earning All-Conference honors in the Conference of New England while consistently leading Endicott in big moments.
Montagnino’s story is one of the most unique in college basketball. A former walk-on at Xavier University who later played club basketball, he eventually found his opportunity at Endicott and quickly turned it into a historic career. In his first season with the Gulls, he averaged 22.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, becoming the first NABC All-American in program history and the conference’s Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Kinney—who developed at the highly respected Brimmer and May School prep program—has blossomed into a dominant two-way forward whose scoring and rebounding have elevated Endicott’s ceiling even further.
Now, the Gulls’ remarkable season has them deep in March with their sights set on a national title. With a 28–1 record and the momentum of one of the best teams in program history, Montagnino and Kinney are leading Endicott into a massive Sweet 16 matchup against Illinois Wesleyan University on Friday. With both players playing the best basketball of their careers, the stage is set for a huge showdown as the Gulls chase a trip to the Elite 8.
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Shane Regan has built one of the most impressive Division III résumés in the country across two elite programs. After starring at Wesleyan University, where he helped lead the Cardinals to a 30-2 season, a Final Four run, and earned All-American honors, Regan has continued his dominance at the University of Chicago. His impact has been immediate, earning national recognition and landing on the Bevo Francis Watch List as one of the top small-college players in the nation.
At Wesleyan, Regan developed into a dynamic, do-it-all guard, eclipsing 1,000 career points while establishing himself as one of the premier players in the NESCAC. Transitioning to Chicago for his graduate season, he expanded his game even further—becoming a focal point offensively while also showcasing his playmaking and leadership. His ability to seamlessly adapt between two high-level academic and basketball programs speaks to both his skill and basketball IQ.
Now, with postseason aspirations in full swing, Regan is once again at the center of a championship-caliber team. University of Chicago is putting together one of the best seasons in program history, carrying significant momentum and high expectations into the NCAA Tournament. With Regan’s experience, versatility, and leadership anchoring the group, the Maroons have positioned themselves as a legitimate contender with hopes of making a deep March run.
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Tarence Guinyard has quickly established himself as one of the premier guards in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Now at Duquesne University, he ranks third in the league in scoring (16.4) and second in assists (5.0), powering the Dukes to a fifth-place standing entering the A-10 Tournament. His production and control of the game has elevated Duquesne into a legitimate postseason contender, as Guinyard continues to prove he can impact winning at the highest level of mid-major basketball.
Before arriving in Pittsburgh, Guinyard starred at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he averaged 16.3 points per game and earned All-OVC First Team honors in 2024-25. Prior to UTM, he was a dominant force at Florida State College at Jacksonville, compiling over 1,300 career points and earning FCSAA Region 8 Player of the Year honors while leading the program to its first NJCAA national tournament win. From junior college standout to All-Conference Division I guard, Guinyard’s climb has been built on his efficient scoring ability and an elite court vision.
Now, with Duquesne surging and championship aspirations, Guinyard’s impact is peaking at the perfect time. A proven scorer at every level—from high school to junior college to Division I—he’s evolved into a dynamic playmaker capable of controlling games in multiple ways. As the conference tournament unfolds, Guinyard has both the résumé and momentum to leave an even bigger mark.
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Narit Chotikavanic's story is truly a testament that belief and persistence can outlast recognition. As a senior at Plano East High School, Chotikavanic went undefeated on the way to a Texas 6A state championship—yet still drew minimal Division I interest. Now a sophomore at Stephen F. Austin, he’s playing a meaningful role in the Lumberjacks’ historic 24–3 start.
Narit committed to a Division 2 school (West Texas A&M) out of HS and despite the belief he was a Division 1 player, the freshman saw hardly any action in the first half of the season. Chotikavanic continued to work and finished his season with ten straight double digit scoring performances, earning the LSC Freshman of the Year honors.
Following his belief that he was a Division 1 talent, Narit decided to test out the transfer portal. The portal experience was much of the same attention that he received coming out of high school with only a few schools interested. Betting on himself, Chotikavanic chose to join first-year head coach Matt Braeuer at Stephen F. Austin—a decision already paying off.
Averaging just under double digits, shooting 40% from three, he has become a key contributor on one of the best teams in program history. With conference championship aspirations and multiple seasons still ahead, Chotikavanic’s story is far from finished—and his breakout may only be the beginning.
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Lauren Whittaker's path to national prominence has been anything but seamless. In her first full collegiate season, the Gonzaga forward has become the only player in NCAA women’s basketball ranked in the top 25 in both points and rebounds per game, averaging just under 20 PPG and 10.1 RPG for a Bulldogs team leading the West Coast Conference.
The New Zealand native came to Gonzaga midway through the 2023-24 season, only to be sidelined with a season ending injury for 2024-25. Getting back on the court took an immense amount of rehabilitation, and there were still questions how'd she perform once fully healthy. Her rise through all of the trials and tribulations has truly been one of the most inspiring comeback stories in college basketball.
Lauren is a leading candidate for the 2026 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award. Whittaker's dominance in her first season of college basketball has already attracted pro scouts from all over the world. With Gonzaga chasing more WCC dominance and Whittaker still early in her collegiate career, her story is only beginning.
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Toby Harris’ path to Division I basketball wasn’t traditional — and that’s exactly what makes his story stand out.
After becoming a 1,000-point scorer, D3 All-American, and star at Brandeis, Harris made the jump to Iona, where he’s now the team’s second-leading scorer at 11.7 points per game. His transition from Division III standout to Division I starter is a testament to his development and confidence in himself.
Harris recently delivered one of the biggest moments of Iona’s season, hitting a game-winning shot as the Gaels battle to stay in the top half of the MAAC standings. In this episode, he breaks down his journey from Brandeis to Iona, the adjustments to Division I basketball, and the goals for his last season of CBB.
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Tamara Inoue, UC Irvine's WBB head coach joins this week's episode of @Notevend2 . Inoue’s run at UC Irvine is one of the most impressive turnarounds in college basketball. Taking over a program that finished 5–23 in her first season, Inoue has completely redefined the ceiling of UC Irvine women’s basketball. She’s now on pace to lead UCI to five straight 20+ win seasons, is already the all-time winningest coach in program history, and guided the program to a Big West Championship in 2023–24. This season, her team sits at 17–3, continuing a stretch of sustained success that few programs can match.
A Big West Co-Coach of the Year (2020–21), she’s steadily transformed the program from rebuild mode into a consistent conference contender. What started as a challenging rebuild has evolved into one of the most stable and respected programs in the Big West.
UC Irvine is positioned to remain a force in the conference and beyond. The main goal remains to get back to the NCAA tournament for the second time in three years. Will they win the Big West?
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