The 6-foot-4 redshirt freshman from Hartland, Wisconsin, was named Monday as the Defensive Player of the Week by the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

He’s a new player at NMU this season, having transferred from Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he redshirted last year after starring at Arrowhead High School.

Last week, Basich helped Northern post two big home wins against NCAA Division III schools from his home state, 87-35 over Concordia and 109-52 over Marian, NMU improving to 8-1 this season.

Against Concordia, he posted 10 points and 10 rebounds despite playing just 16 minutes, then really stuffed his stat sheet by totaling six points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals in just 12 minutes vs. Marian.

Northern Michigan University’s Bennett Basich, front center, is triple teamed under the basket before passing the ball as teammates Dylan Kuehl, right, and Sam Privet watch during a college men’s basketball game played against Concordia at Vandament Arena in Marquette on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

So that was 16 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists and three steals in just 28 minutes court time.

He’s part of a Wildcats defense allowing just 60.4 points per game, ranking No. 7 in the nation in Division II.

Basich has played in four games so far, now averaging 6.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 steals a game.

NMU is now jetting off to the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico for the Puerto Rico Clasico and games against three teams from the U.S. commonwealth on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Story contents based on Northern Michigan University Sports Information press release reviewing the honor. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.