There was a kid in the late 70's/early 80's who played at D3 North Park University in Chicago named Michael Harper, 6-9 forward.
He was small college All-American at least twice and ended up either being drafted very late or being invited to Portland's training camp.
I remember seeing him play in the NBA summer league for the Blazers - must have been on ESPN in 1980.
Another D3 player from that era was Pat Dennis from Washington & Lee, who was drafted by the Celts in maybe the 10th round.
The draft was different back then and had several rounds with less glamour. No purple and gold suits.
Pat Dennis, a point guard was actually the last player cut from training camp that year.
He went on to a long college coaching career at The Citadel in South Carolina.
Some basketball trivia I'm sure you will find to be fascinating.