DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University men's basketball head coach Matt Majkrzak announced on Thursday (April 16) the signing of Nino Carter Smith (Detroit, Mich./Warren De La Salle) to join the Huskie men's basketball program for the 2026-27 season. Carter Smith is the first commitment announced for NIU for the upcoming season with more to come. 

"Nino is a player that has given me fits having to coach against him at Lake Superior State," said Majkrzak. "We wanted to surround ourselves with winners, and he comes from an excellent D2 program that we have a tremendous amount of respect for. He's the consummate point guard who makes others better and is about winning. Defensively he can pick up the ball full court and on offense will set up teammates and create his own shot in big moments. He has an infectious personality that you want out of a point guard."

Carter Smith earned Second Team All-GLIAC honors while averaging 11.0 points, 4.8 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game this past season at Lake Superior State. The 6-foot-1 Carter Smith shot 47 percent (133-of-283) from the field and 38.2 percent (29-of-76) from three during his third season with the Lakers, helping guide Lake Superior State to a 19-win season. In 2024-25, Carter Smith helped the Lakers to a program record 30 wins, advancing to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division II Tournament. 

Fans can make deposits for season tickets for the first season of the Matt Majkrzak era online at NIUHuskies.com/tickets, by contacting the NIU Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225) weekdays between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or via email at huskiestickets@niu.edu.

The Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund supports Huskie student-athletes with a forward-thinking approach designed to strengthen competitiveness, elevate the student-athlete experience, and secure a successful future for NIU Athletic programs. For more information or to contribute to the Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund, please contact the Huskies Athletic Fund at 815-753-1923 or huskieathleticfund@niu.edu.