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.

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. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and follow @Notevend2 Enjoy the episode!

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. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Follow and subscribe ⁨@Notevend2⁩ Enjoy the episode!

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.

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.Available wherever you get your podcasts. Follow & subscribe to Not Even D2 for more sports content.Enjoy the episode!

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.

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. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe & follow @Notevend2 Enjoy the episode!

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. Available on audio podcast platforms only!Enjoy the episode!

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. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Follow and subscribe! Enjoy the episode!

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.Available wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe & follow! Enjoy the episode!