DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University men's basketball head coach Matt Majkrzak announced the signing of Uzziah Buntyn (Round Rock, Texas/Stony Point) to the Huskie men's basketball program. Buntyn is the 14th addition for NIU for the 2026-27 season. 

"Uzziah had a tremendous freshman year at the University of South Dakota," said Majkrzak. "He averaged over 12 points per game as a freshman and really became a feature player for USD down the stretch. Uzzi is a dynamic point guard that has an incredible first step that applies constant pressure on the paint. He compliments this with a great feel for the game and uses his passing to get great looks for his teammates. He's a dynamic scorer that can put the ball in the hoop from all three levels and will make a big impact at NIU."

Buntyn averaged 12.1 points, 3.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game as a freshman this past season at South Dakota. The 6-foot-1 Buntyn appeared in 23 games for the Coyotes, making 20 starts, and shot 87.1 percent (108-of-124) from the free-throw line. Buntyn scored over 2,100 points in his high school career, leading Stony Point High School to a Texas UIL Class 6A state runner-up finish in 2024, and was a four-time all-state selection. 

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.