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Izzi Fust will wear the Brown and Gold this season, becoming the third member of her family to suit up for the Bisons and the second in as many years. She rejoins her sister, Kyu Fust, who returned home to play for Manitoba last season. Their father, Paul, was a five-year standout with the Bisons men's basketball team and earned GPAC First Team All-Star honours in 1999.
Now, it's Izzi's turn to play for the team she grew up admiring.
"You've grown up watching them and you've grown up looking up to them, so I think it's really cool to get to be that role model for some of the kids," she said.
The former top-ranked high school basketball player in Manitoba spent the past two seasons with the Regina Cougars after graduating from Dakota Collegiate. Now, she's embracing the opportunity to continue her career closer to home.
"It's pretty cool to get to play in front of your friends and family, getting to have your support system as close as they are now."
Her return gives Bisons fans a chance to see the sisterly chemistry that helped fuel Dakota Collegiate's dominance just a few years ago. With only a year separating them in age, Kyu and Izzi developed a unique connection on the court while leading the Lancers to consecutive championships.
"Their connection was natural, unscripted," recalled former Dakota coach Eric Sung. "They did so many things complementary of each other that helped us be successful as a group."
"We grew up playing together, so we definitely have that sort of connection," Izzi added. "She's my biggest supporter."
Individually, Izzi arrives with an impressive résumé. The six-foot-one wing helped lead Dakota Collegiate to three provincial championships, earned recognition as Manitoba's top-ranked player in 2024, and was selected to compete in the All-Canadian Games alongside many of the country's top prospects.
Her success continued at the U SPORTS level with Regina. During the 2024-25 season, she earned both Canada West All-Rookie Team and U SPORTS All-Rookie Team honours, establishing herself as one of the nation's top first-year players.
"Izzi was one of the top athletes in the country coming out of high school, and we've continued to watch her development closely throughout her time in Regina," said Manitoba head coach Michèle Sung.
"She brings grit, versatility, and high-level experience to our program. What stands out most is her ability to impact the game in a variety of ways, and we're excited to see her continue her growth in a Bisons uniform."
Fust's development also earned her a spot on Team Canada at Global Jam 2025, where she competed alongside some of the country's top young talent. Off the court, she has been equally successful, earning Academic All-Canadian honours in each of her first two university seasons.
Her move to Manitoba also reunites her with several former Dakota teammates, including Darya Rom, Hope LaRocque and Taylor Schepp, another former Manitoba top prospect. Most importantly, it gives the Fust sisters the chance to represent their hometown university together while adding another chapter to a family legacy deeply rooted in Manitoba basketball.
"I'm extremely excited to announce my commitment to U of M," Fust said. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to play at home and looking forward to being a Bison."
Fust gives the Bisons another talented local player with championship experience, national team credentials and a proven track record of success. Her addition strengthens a Manitoba roster that continues to build around elite homegrown talent while competing among the top programs in Canada West.
With Izzi now joining Kyu in the Brown and Gold, the next generation of the Fust family is ready to make its mark at Manitoba.