Owl Hoop Standout Entered Transfer Portal, But Returned To Where His Heart, Legacy Reside

Octavio Brito Jr. ’25 likes Keene State so much he chose it twice.

The men’s basketball standout, a two-time national All-American who helped lead the Owls to back-to-back NCAA Sweet 16 appearances and a program-best No. 4 national ranking in Division III, will finish his career where it began: in the nest, amid Owl Nation.

The Rhode Island native ranks fifth in career scoring (1,567 points) at Keene State after three seasons, and had a torrid junior campaign marked by several career-best performances and numbers.

Owl teammates and fans collectively held their breath after learning that Octavio entered the NCAA transfer portal shortly after last season ended. NCAA athletes can opt into the portal to signal their desire to switch schools, explore new opportunities, or join other programs.

In the end, though, the portal experience allowed Octavio to see more clearly where his heart and hardwood legacy reside.

“The transfer portal is a stressful process because you’re taking a chance with your career and you have no idea how it’s going to pan out,” Octavio said. “I’ve called Keene State home for the past three years and it was too hard to walk away from.”

I first decided to attend Keene State because I wanted the chance to be away from home for once and it turned out to be a great decision for me. Making friends and the great support on campus and within the Keene community are my favorite aspects of being a student-athlete here. I want to keep it that way.”

– Octavio Brito ’25

“I first decided to attend Keene State because I wanted the chance to be away from home for once and it turned out to be a great decision for me. Making friends and the great support on campus and within the Keene community are my favorite aspects of being a student-athlete here. I want to keep it that way.”

“My career goal is to work in the sports industry, so I decided to major in sport and recreation management. After I graduate and finish playing basketball, I want to work as a sports agent or a Division I athletic director.”

Octavio is one of nearly 400 students who compete in NCAA athletics at Keene State, which offers 24 varsity teams, including cheerleading and new additions esports, and men’s and women’s ice hockey.

His stock rising because of national exposure and accolades, the explosive offensive player drew interest from Division I and II programs as a portal entrant.

Among the many breathing a sigh of relief with Octavio’s decision is first-year Coach Steve Enright, who said not having a program centerpiece like Octavio was hard to imagine.

“Our team has big aspirations, and Octavio’s staying at Keene State gives us our best chance to achieve what we want with this group of seniors,” said Enright. “I think I speak for everyone involved in the program when I say I am excited that Octavio wants to finish his college career as an Owl. He will be remembered as one of the best to play here. I know the goal beyond that for him is to play professionally after college and I’m very confident he will have those opportunities.”

Brito finished his junior season averaging 19.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game and finished among the top 25 nationally in Division III in several statistical categories, including 11th in points scored (591), 16th in free-throw percentage (89.4 percent; 119-for-133), and 23rd in field goals made (202).

In the Keene State record books, aside from his climb up the all-time scoring list, Octavio will begin the 2024-25 campaign tied for 10th in points per game (17.8), tied for sixth in field goals made (564), and tied for fourth in three-pointers made (201).

In his highlight-reel junior season, Octavio netted a career-high 40 points in the second round of the Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament against Eastern University, the most scored by an individual in a game in more than five years for the Owls. Also, his eight three-pointers made were the most in a contest by an individual in more than 15 years.

He is spending some time this summer traveling, including his first time abroad, in the Dominican Republic.

He said he is proud of his self-discipline, which has allowed him to balance academics, basketball, and the year-round training.

“I look forward to battling with my teammates, who are like brothers, and winning championships,” said Octavio, a sport & recreation management major. “I don’t see my role on the team changing too much but I will have to be more vocal now that we’ve lost our co-captain, Jeff Hunter.”