Tarence Guinyard has quickly established himself as one of the premier guards in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Now at Duquesne University, he ranks third in the league in scoring (16.4) and second in assists (5.0), powering the Dukes to a fifth-place standing entering the A-10 Tournament. His production and control of the game has elevated Duquesne into a legitimate postseason contender, as Guinyard continues to prove he can impact winning at the highest level of mid-major basketball.

Before arriving in Pittsburgh, Guinyard starred at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he averaged 16.3 points per game and earned All-OVC First Team honors in 2024-25. Prior to UTM, he was a dominant force at Florida State College at Jacksonville, compiling over 1,300 career points and earning FCSAA Region 8 Player of the Year honors while leading the program to its first NJCAA national tournament win. From junior college standout to All-Conference Division I guard, Guinyard’s climb has been built on his efficient scoring ability and an elite court vision.

Now, with Duquesne surging and championship aspirations, Guinyard’s impact is peaking at the perfect time. A proven scorer at every level—from high school to junior college to Division I—he’s evolved into a dynamic playmaker capable of controlling games in multiple ways. As the conference tournament unfolds, Guinyard has both the résumé and momentum to leave an even bigger mark.

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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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