Not Even D2

KJ Allison

Not Even D2: The podcast, hosted by KJ Allison and Neruda Perdomo, covering collegiate sports through in-depth interviews with athletes, coaches, and key figures from across the country. Join us as we deep dive into the stories of the diverse collegiate athletic experience(s) across divisions. Whether you're a student-athlete, college sports fanatic, or passionate about success stories, this podcast brings you the most compelling narratives from the world of college sports.

  1. Carly Thibault-DuDonis - Three Straight Titles and Building Something Bigger

    17 HR AGO

    Carly Thibault-DuDonis - Three Straight Titles and Building Something Bigger

    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!

    1hr 6min
  2. Travis Steele - Building a Mid-Major Power at Miami (OH)

    7 MAY

    Travis Steele - Building a Mid-Major Power at Miami (OH)

    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.

    1hr 12min
  3. Brett Reed - 20 Years at Lehigh, Back to the Big Dance

    30 APR

    Brett Reed - 20 Years at Lehigh, Back to the Big Dance

    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!

    1hr 4min
  4. Breaking Down the D3 & D1 National Championships, NBA MVP, Geno vs Dawn & More

    9 APR ·  BONUS

    Breaking Down the D3 & D1 National Championships, NBA MVP, Geno vs Dawn & More

    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!

    58 min
  5. Jair Knight & Ben Pearce - The Best Duo in D3 One Win from a Title

    29 MAR

    Jair Knight & Ben Pearce - The Best Duo in D3 One Win from a Title

    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!

    56 min
  6. Jay Randall & Kye Robinson - One Win Away from a National Championship

    26 MAR

    Jay Randall & Kye Robinson - One Win Away from a National Championship

    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!

    47 min
  7. Caroline Peper & Jarrel Okorougo - NYU & Trinity's National Title Defense

    19 MAR

    Caroline Peper & Jarrel Okorougo - NYU & Trinity's National Title Defense

    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. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to follow & subscribe! Enjoy the episode!

    59 min
  8. Marcus Montagnino & Elijah Kinney - The Stars Behind Endicott's Historic Run

    12 MAR

    Marcus Montagnino & Elijah Kinney - The Stars Behind Endicott's Historic Run

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

    1 hr

About

Not Even D2: The podcast, hosted by KJ Allison and Neruda Perdomo, covering collegiate sports through in-depth interviews with athletes, coaches, and key figures from across the country. Join us as we deep dive into the stories of the diverse collegiate athletic experience(s) across divisions. Whether you're a student-athlete, college sports fanatic, or passionate about success stories, this podcast brings you the most compelling narratives from the world of college sports.

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