DEKALB, Ill -- Northern Illinois University men's basketball head coach Matt Majkrzak announced on Monday (April 20) the signing of Bennett Basich (Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead) to join the Huskie program ahead of the 2026-27 season. Basich becomes the third signee for NIU for next season, with more additions to come. 

"Bennett is one of the toughest and most competitive players that I have coached," said Majkrzak. "His tenacity is on full display in every game and practice. He's an outstanding passer who makes the right basketball play over and over again with the ball, this compliments an all-around offensive game. He also led our team in rebounding from the guard position. Bennett has won a ton at both the high school and college level. I'm thrilled that he made the decision to follow me from Northern Michigan to NIU."

Basich comes to NIU from Northern Michigan, where he averaged 9.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game this past season. The 6-foot-4 Basich shot 42.2 percent (27-of-64) from beyond the arc and 80.5 percent (62-of-77) from the free-throw line in his lone season with the Wildcats. Basich attended Green Bay in 2024-25, where he redshirted after helping to lead Arrowhead High School to a pair of state runner-up finishes in high school. 

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.