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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