Not Even D2

In this week's episode of @Notevend2 , it's just the hosts- no guest. We take a deep dive into the NBA playoffs so far: each matchup, surprise performances, and what to look for moving forward. All the storylines and hot takes are covered.This episode is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel @Notevend2 for more sports content.Enjoy the episode!Intro, Thoughts on NCAA Rule Change (Pay to Play)- 00:00-03:16JJ Reddick / Lakers- 03:16-07:45#1 OKC vs. #8 MEM- 07:45-11:22#3 NYK vs. #6 DET- 11:22-18:20#1 CLE vs. #8 MIA- 18:20-21:59#3 LAL vs. #6 MIN- 21:59-28:00#4 IND vs. #5 MIL- 28:00-35:10#2 HOU vs. #7 GSW- 35:10-41:58#2 BOS vs. #7 ORL- 41:58-43:15#4 DEN vs. #5 LAC- 43:15-48:06Outro- 48:06-49:27

The most recent Fordham MBB commit, Dejour Reaves, joins this week's episode of @Notevend2 . Dejour planned on returning to play for Iona for his final year of college basketball until an unexpected firing of his head coach occurred. After a dominant 2024-25 season averaging over 17 points per game, 1st team All-MAAC player entered the transfer portal. Reaves committed to Fordham University where he'll be playing under Coach Magpayo.Reaves dominated in high school at Corcoran, becoming the school's all-time leading scorer. Besides his success, he wasn't recruited by any Division 1 schools, which led him to attend JUCO at Trinidad State. Reaves led Trinidad State to back-to-back region titles. After JUCO, he committed to Northern Colorado where he was an all-conference player. Now preparing for a year playing in the A10, Reaves has big time goals for himself. Hear about his thoughts regarding Iona firing Tobin Anderson, what schools he was looking at before choosing Fordham, and what the future of his career looks like. This episode is available wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel @Notevend2 for more sports content. Enjoy the episode! Sneak Peek- 00:00-00:35 NBA 1st Round Predictions- 00:35-08:03 Intro- 08:03-17:38 Getting Introduced to Islam, Playing during Ramadan- 17:38-21:34 Thoughts on Iona Firing Tobin Anderson, Relationship with Coach Anderson- 21:34-26:04Favorite Matchups in the MAAC, Playing in Iona's System- 26:04-29:57 Playing AAU for Team Swish, Recruitment out of HS, JUCO Life, Opinions on JUCO Ruling- 29:57-40:01 Break- 40:01-40:17 Memories from Northern Colorado, JUCO vs. D1, Choosing Iona- 40:17-45:53 Entering Transfer Portal, Schools Interested In (Fordham), Future for Dejour Reaves- 45:53-48:29 Rapid Fire (Best Syracuse Hoopers Growing Up, Top 3 Movies, Favorite TA Story)- 48:29-52:56Starting 5: Best Teammates- 52:56-54:24 Outro- 54:24-54:54

A former walk-on to a starter at St. Mary's (California), Luke Barrett joins this week's episode of @Notevend2 . In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no Division 1 offers, Barrett committed to the University of Pomona Pitzer (Division 3). Soon after his commitment, he heard from the St. Mary's coaching staff that a walk-on roster spot was available for him. Barrett ultimately decommitted from the D3 school and walked on to play for the Gaels.Barrett held the walk-on role for his first two years of college basketball. After those two years, Luke worked his way up to be a scholarship basketball player. Barrett continued to work hard throughout the years and as St. Mary's continued their success, so did he. Barrett started for the Gaels every game during the 2024-25 season, and was the fourth leading scorer (9.8 ppg).St. Mary's has won the West Coast Conference regular season title three years in a row and made the NCAA tournament each of the last four years.Hear about Luke's journey becoming a scholarship player, what it was like being coached by 6x WCC COTY, Randy Bennett, and what the future for Luke Barrett looks like.This episode is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel @Notevend2 for more sports content.Enjoy the episode!Sneak Peek- 00:00-00:16March Madness Recap- 00:16-06:23Intro- 06:23-11:58West Coast / California vs. East Coast Lifestyle- 11:58-14:15Saint Mary's 2025 March Madness Run, SMC vs. Gonzaga Rivarlry- 14:15-21:11Coach Bennett, Journey Walking On to SMC, Story from Walk-on to Scholarship Player- 21:11-31:41Saint Mary's Development System & Rebounding Strategy, Relationship with Mitchell Saxen & Augustus Marčulionis- 31:41-39:19Break- 39:19-39:27Thoughts on Transfer Portal for HM Schools, St. Mary's Overseas Presence / Overseas Players in CBB- 39:27-44:27Scouting Process @ SMC, Offseason Development over the Years, Future for Luke Barrett- 44:27-50:58Rapid Fire (Musical Inspirations, Favorite Arenas, Funniest Teammates)- 50:58-55:01Starting 5: Best WCC Players Played Against- 55:01-58:24Outro- 58:24-59:16

Trayvon Alexander, the 2024-25 NE10 MVP joins this week's episode of @Notevend2 . Tray began his college career at Saint Rose where he spent two seasons before transferring to Florida Southern College. His last stop would be Pace University. During his first year returning back to the NE10, Alexander was awarded all-conference and defensive 1st team. The 24-25 season was special as Alexander became the first player in Pace history to ever win the NE10 Player of the Year honors. He finished the year #2 in the country in assists (8.7) and steals (2.9) per game. In just two years Alexander finished 2nd on Pace's all-time assists leader board. Hear about his journey playing for 3 different schools, his success at Pace, and the future for Tray Alexander. This episode is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel @Notevend2 for more sports content. Enjoy the episode! Sneak Peek- 00:00-00:12 Final Four Predictions- 00:12-06:03 Intro- 06:03-11:00 March Madness Predictions- 11:00-12:22 Buzzer Beater against Assumption University, Favorite NE10 Matchups- 12:22-14:33 Growing up in Long Island, Leadership Personality- 14:33-19:23 2024-25 Pace MBB Season, Developing Game over the Years, Breaking Down Film / Game Reads- 19:23-28:00 Break- 28:00-28:09 Playing for 3 Different Colleges, Transfer Portal, Emotions Winning NE10 POTY- 28:09-34:17Toughest Matchups during the 24-25 Season, Future for Trayvon Alexander- 34:17-37:26 Rapid Fire (Ranking Schools Locations, Funniest Teammates, Favorite Music)- 37:26-40:11Starting 5: Best NE10 Players throughout Career- 40:11-43:53 Outro- 43:53-44:41

Trinity MBB star guard, Henry Vetter joins this week's episode of @Notevend2 . Vetter has been an all-conference player the past two years, and capped off his junior season as a national champion. Vetter hit a game winning 3 that will forever be remembered in Division 3 basketball. Trinity upset Wesleyan in the NESCAC championship and NYU in the national championship game, making them winners of 15 straight. Hear about his mindset heading into Fort Wayne, his thoughts getting the ball for the game winner, and what has made Trinity so good over the years. This episode is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel @Notevend2 for more sports content. Enjoy the episode! #nationalchampionship #d3hoops #division3 #trinity #gamewinner #podcast #explore #mbb #ncaam Sneak Peek- 00:00-00:36 March Madness Predictions- 00:36-04:38 Intro- 04:38-09:53 Trinity Vibes Post-National Championship- 09:53-11:39 Process Developing as a Team, Differences between 2023-24 and 2024-25 Teams- 11:39-18:27 Rallying During 2024-25 Season, Coach Cosgrove- 18:27-24:47 Mindset going into Final 4, Game Winner in National Championship- 24:47-33:07Motivations to Work Hard- 33:07-37:05 Outro- 37:05-37:52

2x NE10 Player of the Year, Zach Laput, joins this week's episode of ​⁠ . After a dominant four years playing Division 2 for Bentley University, Zach transferred to play Division 1 for Davidson College in the Atlantic 10.At Davidson Zach played various roles and was a consistent contributor for the Wildcats. The graduate student averaged the 4th most points (8.5) while fluctuating in and out of the starting lineup.Before playing mid major basketball, Zach dominated at the Division 2 level. In 3 years, Laput scored just under 1700 points and was named a D2 All-American in his final two seasons playing for Bentley.The Connecticut native attended HS at Notre Dame where he was an all-state selection. Not many Division 1 schools were recruiting Zach out of high school; seeing where he finished his career may have these same coaches questioning that decision.Hear about his perspective regarding the transfer portal, his thought process to leave Bentley, and what his future in basketball looks like.This episode is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel ​⁠ for more sports content.Enjoy the episode!Sneak Peek- 00:00-00:15D3 MBB Season Recap- 00:15-02:14Intro- 02:14-11:34Offseason Focus, Strength & Conditioning (Bentley vs. Davidson)- 11:34-14:05Mindset going into A10 Tournament, Different Roles Played for Davidson, Playing for Coach McKillop- 14:05-19:38Perspective/Opinions on the Transfer Portal, Decision Transferring from Bentley to Davidson- 19:38-24:33Early Success at Bentley, Connecticut Basketball Scene, Recruitment out of HS- 24:33-32:01Basketball Workouts, Developing Game- 32:01-36:49Break- 36:49-37:01Individual & Team Success during Career, Coach Jay Lawson's Impact on him, Overseas Basketball Process- 37:01-46:21Rapid Fire (Favorite A10 Arena, Welcome to D1 Moment, Best CT Hoopers)- 46:21-50:28Starting 5 (Best NE10 Players throughout Career)- 50:28-52:03Outro- 52:03-52:52

Three standout players in Division 3 (Adam Brazil/Chozen Amadi/Tristan How) join this week's episode of ​⁠ to talk about the NCAA tournament. Brazil, 2024-25 ODAC Player of the Year, has led Hampden-Sydney to another trip to the Sweet 16. The senior guard is currently averaging 18.2 points per game. Chozen Amadi was named to the 2024-25 SCIAC 1st-team after ranking in the conference's top 10 in points, steals, and three point percentage. The 2024-25 UAA Player of the Year, Tristan How has been dominating Division 3 in his lone year playing at this level. How averages a double-double while shooting an impressive 55.2 percent from the floor. Hear about their each players journey to where they are right now, their mindset heading into the Sweet 16, and what to expect from each player and their respective teams moving forward. Hampden-Sydney will matchup against Redlands, while host NYU will play Hardin-Simmons. Both games will be played on Friday, March 14th. For more information on these games and the Division 3 NCAA tournament, visit: https://www.ncaa.com/sports/basketball-men/d3This episode is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel ​⁠ for more sports content. Enjoy the episode! Sneak Peek- 00:00-00:32Updates- 00:32-05:23Intro- 05:23-12:44Adam Brazil (Hampden-Sydney MBB, G)- 12:44-24:56Chozen Amadi (Redlands MBB, G)- 24:56-38:29Tristan How (NYU MBB, F)- 38:29-50:41Only in D3- 50:41-54:57Outro- 54:57-55:32

This week's episode of @Notevend2 features Melvin Council Jr. Melvin grew up in Rochester where he attended high school at Greece Athena and UPrep. The standout guard committed to play for Monroe Community College for his first two years of college basketball (2021-23). After two years of being recognized as a NJCAA all-american, Council committed to Wagner.At Wagner, Melvin led Wagner to their first conference championship since 2003. Council was named 1st-team All-NEC during a campaign averaging 14.9 points and 5.7 assists. Melvin's name began to buzz after leading Wagner, as a #6 seed, to a conference championship. After winning the NEC, Wagner had to play in the First Four game in the NCAA tournament. Council had a historic performance to lead his team to victory over Howard. In just one season playing in the NEC, the Wagner star entered the transfer portal.The rising senior heard from plenty of high major schools after his run during March Madness. Council ended up committing to St. Bonaventure to play in the A-10. Melvin has been one of the best guards in the conference and Bonaventure picked up their second consecutive 20+ win season.Hear about his journey growing up in Rochester, his favorite memories from Wagner's tournament run, and what his mindset is going into the A-10 tournament. This episode is available wherever you listen to podcasts.Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel @Notevend2 for more sports content.Enjoy the episode!Sneak Peek- 00:00-00:13 Alfred/Utica MBB Updates- 00:13-05:17 Intro- 05:17-10:05 Scouting @ St. Bonaventure, Best Guard in the A-10?- 10:05-12:53 Mindset going into A-10 Tournament, Bonaventure's Fan Base, WOJ Joining Bonaventure- 12:53-17:36 Coach Mark Schmidt, Story of the WWE Belt- 17:36-22:18 Growing up in Rochester, Mothers Impact- 22:18-28:56 Playing JUCO Basketball- 28:56-33:19 Break- 33:19-33:29 Wagner's 2023-24 NCAA Playoff Run, Top Memories in March Madness- 33:29-42:20Recruitment Process after Wagner, Choosing St. Bonaventure- 42:20-44:54 Opinions on the A-10, "Dog" Leadership Mindset, Future for Melvin Council- 44:54- 54:24 Rapid Fire (Favorite Artist, Favorite Food, Favorite NBA Player)- 54:24-56:08 Starting 5: Best Rochester Hoopers- 56:08-58:21 Intro to Empire 8 Segment- 58:21-59:23 Alyssa Polosky (Geneseo WBB, Head Coach)- 59:23-01:15:09 Dayion Thompson (Utica MBB, G)- 01:15:09-01:21:20 Only in D3- 01:21:20-01:26:01 Outro- 01:26:01-01:26:36

Octavio Brito, two time Divison 3 All-American joins this week's episode of @Notevend2 . Brito is a Rhode Island native and has dominated the LEC during his time at Keene State. After winning the LEC Rookie of the Year in the 2021-22 season, Brito finished his sophomore and junior seasons as an All-American. During his team at KSC, Octavio has won the LEC championship every year. Brito is closing in on the all-time Keene State scoring record and one of few to ever be a 3x All-American. Now in his final year playing for the Owls, the senior is playing at his highest level. Octavio is averaging 22.9 points per game (11th in the country) while leading Keene State to another #1 seed heading into the conference playoffs. KSC has been nationally ranked in the top 25 for most of the year and will be on every teams radar going into the NCAA tournament. Hear about his journey leading up to Keene State, his favorite memories playing for KSC, and his future goals post college. This episode is available wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel @Notevend2 for more sports content. Enjoy the episode! Sneak Peek- 00:00-00:10 Alfred/Utica MBB Updates- 00:17-04:54 Intro- 04:54-09:57 Mindset Heading into Conference Playoffs, Entering Transfer Portal- 09:57-12:18 Breaking Keene States Scoring Record, Leaving Legacy at Keene State- 12:18-13:31Relationship with Coach Enright, Playing for 3 Different Coaches during Career- 13:31-15:13Summer Basketball with Keene State, Hoop Scene in Rhode Island- 15:13-18:50 Recruitment out of HS, Relationship/Duo with Jeff Hunter- 18:50-22:19 Keene States Dominance in the LEC, Hosting NCAA Tournament at Home, Mindset going into Big Games- 22:19-26:57 Break- 26:57-27:06 Playing Against D'vontay Friga, Ty vs. Octavio 1v1- 27:06-30:19 Off-season Work, Scoring 2k points, Best Class in KSC History?- 30:19-34:44 Future for Octavio Brito- 34:44-35:44 Rapid Fire (Top 3 RI Hoopers, Favorite LEC Matchups, Funniest Teammates, Music, Favorite Buckets)- 35:44-41:23 Starting 5: Best Players Played With- 41:23-43:39 Empire 8 Segment (Peyton Maneri- Brockport WBB G)- 43:39-47:18 Only in D3- 47:18-49:20 Outro- 49:20-49:55

​ @Notevend2 talks with NYU's standout guard, Hampton Sanders, on this week's episode. Hampton grew up in South Brunswick, New Jersey and graduated from Lawrenceville High School. After his senior year of high school, Sanders played AAU for Rod Wave Elite (RWE). The popular AAU program founded by Cam Wilder took off over the last few years and Hampton has remained a popular name surrounding the program. Hampton committed to @NYUAthletics ahead of the 2023-24 season. That same year the Violets won a shared UAA conference title. This year, the Violets picked up right where they left off, as they are currently ranked #2 in the country. Hampton, now with a bigger role, is averaging 12 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists as one of the most efficient players in Division 3. Currently holding a 21-1 (10-1) record, Hampton and the rest of the NYU team have high hopes for the rest of the season. Hear about Hampton's favorite memories playing for RWE, perspective being a student-athlete at a prestigious school like NYU, and what to expect from the #2 ranked team come NCAA tournament time. This episode is available wherever you listen to podcasts. Make sure to follow the podcasts YouTube channel @Notevend2 for more sports content. Enjoy the episode! Sneak Peek- 00:00-00:17 Alfred/Utica MBB Updates- 00:17-03:08 Intro- 03:08-09:37 Buzzer Beater against Chicago, Division 3 Parity- 09:37-11:28 Better Hoop State: NY vs. NJ, Relationship with Hank Morgan, Runs @ NYU this Summer- 11:28-17:49 NYU's Trip to China, Partnership with Hoop Culture- 17:49-20:19 Playing for Rod Wave Elite, Relationship with Cam Wilder / Zeddy Will, Favorite Memories with RWE- 20:19-27:13 Break- 27:13-27:26 Recruitment out of HS, Choosing NYU, Academics @ NYU- 27:26-34:06 NYU MBB Success, Mindset coming off the Bench, Favorite Matchups in the UAA- 34:06-41:33NESCAC vs. UAA Debate- 41:33-44:23 Personal Focus for the Remainder of the Year- 44:23-46:28 Rapid Fire (Favorite things to do in NYC, Funniest RWE Player(s), Favorite Artists / Jersey Club)- 46:28-51:25 Starting 5: Best RWE Players- 51:25-53:41 Only in D3- 53:41-55:48 Outro- 55:48-56:24