Great Lakes Wire

Matt Majkrzak, head coach of the Northern Michigan University men's basketball team, announced the addition of six new recruits who have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Wildcats for the 2026-2027 season. The incoming freshmen are Nathan Ramus, Caden Gustafson, Izaya Larthridge, Carson Dorgu, Connor Johnson, and Stephen McGee V.

Majkrzak emphasized the team's ongoing commitment to high school recruiting. "In the changing world of college basketball, we have remained steadfast that high school recruiting will be the lifeblood of our program at Northern Michigan," said Majkrzak. "While many schools, especially at the D1 level, chase transfers, we feel we have an opportunity to recruit higher-level high school prospects than ever before. The upgrade to facilities, coupled with our recent success, has made Northern Michigan basketball an even more attractive destination."

He added that this year's class brings both size and talent to the roster and fits well with both Northern Michigan and Marquette. "We have expanded our base and are bringing in the highest-rated player from Minnesota and Michigan, who isn't signing D1, to complement our talent from Wisconsin. Unfortunately, Dylan, Jackson, and Sam have to run out of eligibility at some point, so adding size to replace them was a key focus for us in the class of 2026. We did this by signing four players 6'6 or taller, while also adding two guards that fit the NMU DNA."

Nathan Ramus is a 6'2 guard from Appleton North High School in Wisconsin. He averaged 13.5 points per game last season along with 6.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Over his career he earned multiple all-conference honors and was recognized for his defensive skills as well as receiving All-State Honorable Mention.

Majkrzak described Ramus as "A classic NMU PG who takes care of the ball at a high level and runs a team. Nate's a standout volleyball player whose athleticism especially off two feet is different from traditional guards. Nathan projects to be an elite defender at the PG spot. Add in the fact he's lefty and he has some special intangibles to complement his traditional point guard play."

Caden Gustafson joins from Waterford Union High School (WI) after being named Southern Lakes Conference Player of the Year for averaging nearly 22 points per game along with other accolades including First Team WBCA All-State.

Majkrzak said: "Caden is a tough-as-nails combo guard that can score on all three levels and competes with a relentless motor. Although he's an elite scorer his best quality is just finding ways to make winning plays whether it's scoring passing rebounding or defending. He's a winner in every sense of the word and we are excited about his fit with our group."

Izaya Larthridge comes from Grand Rapids Catholic Central (MI), where he averaged nearly 17 points per game as a junior while leading his team deep into state playoffs.

" Izaya is a 6'6 guard that makes the right basketball play every time," said Majkrzak." He can really shoot and defend and fits the mold of the traditional 3 & D wing that we all covet.His biggest flaw is that he's too unselfish,a great quality he shares with many of past stars we have recruited here.We are really excited about what Zay is and will be in Green and Gold."

Carson Dorgu arrives from Ashwaubenon High School (WI) after earning Second Team All-Fox River Classic honors for averaging over ten points per game on strong shooting percentages.

Majkrzak commented: "Carson came to our elite camp and just blew us away.We knew he was a good player but he was dominant in paintand showcased versatility with his passingand feel for game.He's got every skill you could ask for outof combo forward,and we think he has chance develop into great inside-out matchup nightmare throughout career."

Connor Johnson joins from Grand Rapids Christian (MI), where he contributed nine points per game along with strong defense leading him to OK-White All-Conference selection.

Majkrzak stated: "One of coaches in our league told me Connor just movesand plays like Northern Michigan forward,and we couldn't agree more.He's extremely mobileand fluid athlete at 6'8and has beautiful jumpshotthat keeps getting better.He's great rim protectorwho just has knackfor blocking shotsand getting hands on ball.We are thrilled abouthimand fitwith NMU."

Stephen McGee V comes from Greenway High School (MN) where he became a three-time All-Iron Range Conference selection as well as surpassing one thousand career points.

"It's not often we get chances recruit 6'11 players," Majkrzak noted." It's even less often they can run really welland have great hands.You throwinthat he's very humbleand wantsbe coached,andwe feel very luckytohave StepheninGreenand Gold.He willbe oneof biggestand longestplayersatD2level,andagreat rimprotectorfrom dayone.On offensehe isa lob threatthat useshis quicknessand lengthtobean elite pick-and-rollplayer."