By: Logan Anderson
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball Head Coach Chris Johnson has announced the signing of two South Dakota standouts, Connor Mebius and Colby Nuttbrock, as part of the Cougars' 2026 signing class. Both student-athletes will join the program as freshmen, bringing local talent and experience from two competitive high school basketball programs to Sioux Falls.
Mebius, a point guard from Hartford, S.D., joins the Cougars following a decorated career at West Central High School, where he helped lead the Trojans to an undefeated Class A State Championship season. Nuttbrock, a 6-foot-5 guard from Sioux Falls Jefferson High School, adds size to the backcourt and brings experience competing in the Sioux Falls high school basketball scene. Both signees are multi-sport athletes who have demonstrated a commitment to academics and athletics throughout their high school careers.
The addition of Mebius and Nuttbrock continues USF's commitment to recruiting talent from across South Dakota while building for the future of the program. Both student-athletes intend to pursue degrees in Business at Sioux Falls.
Connor Mebius | PG | 5'10" | 155 lbs | Hartford, S.D. | West Central HS
Mebius joins the Cougars following an accomplished career at West Central High School, where he developed into one of South Dakota's top Class A basketball players. A three-year varsity starter and two-time team MVP, Mebius earned First Team Dak-12 All-Conference and First Team Class A All-State honors during his junior season. He was also named the MaxPreps South Dakota Player of the Year and selected to the Sioux Falls Live Super Six after helping lead West Central to a perfect 25-0 record and a Class A State Championship.
Throughout his high school career, Mebius averaged 16.4 points and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 42 percent from three-point range and 79 percent from the free throw line. He surpassed 1,000 career points and 250 assists during his junior season, finishing with 1,133 career points through the statistics provided. His earlier honors include Second Team Dak-12 All-Conference recognition as a freshman, followed by First Team All-Conference, Second Team Class A All-State and State All-Tournament Team honors as a sophomore.
In addition to basketball, Mebius is an accomplished golfer, earning All-Conference honors during his junior and senior seasons and placing 10th individually at the Class A State Tournament as a senior. He was also named his team's MVP and earned Academic All-State recognition. Mebius competed with Sanford at the club basketball level and gives back to his community by organizing basketball skills camps for West Central youth. He plans to major in Business at USF and is the son of Darrin and Heidi Mebius.
Colby Nuttbrock | G | 6'5" | 202 lbs | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Jefferson HS
Nuttbrock joins the Sioux Falls Men's Basketball program from Sioux Falls Jefferson High School, where he competed in basketball and golf for the Cavaliers. Standing at 6-foot-5, Nuttbrock brings additional size to the Cougars' guard position as he prepares to make the transition to the collegiate level.
During his high school career, Nuttbrock earned Academic All-Conference recognition while also receiving Academic All-State and National Honors distinctions for his work in the classroom. His involvement in multiple sports reflects his athletic background and commitment to balancing academics with competition.
Outside of his high school program, Nuttbrock competed with Sanford Black on the AAU basketball circuit. He plans to pursue a degree in Business at USF and enjoys golfing and spending time with friends. Nuttbrock is the son of Nick Nuttbrock and has three siblings, Cadence, Camden and Christian.
Coach's Corner
"We are very excited to add Connor and Colby to the USF Basketball family. They are two of the very best players in the state of SD, and fit our program both on and off the floor. Both come from very well coached, winning programs.
Connor is a PG who can really run a team, score when needed, and makes everyone around him better. Colby will be a wing that has great size, athleticism and shooting ability. "
-Head Coach. Chris Johnson
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