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.