SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Augustana men's basketball head coach Tom Billeter has announced the addition of three student-athletes to the incoming freshman class of 2019. All three student-athletes have signed a National Letter of Intent, indicating their plans to enroll at Augustana and compete on the Vikings men's basketball team.

Billeter is thrilled with this years signing class and knows that the outlook for Viking basketball is bright. "This class, along with last year's class, gives us two very strong classes," Billeter said. "We are anxious to get these three on campus and know the future of Augustana Basketball is incredible!"  

2019 Men's Basketball Signees:

Bennett Otto – 6-4, 180 Lbs, Guard, Brooklyn Park, Minn / Champlin Park HS
One of the most talented dual-athletes in Minnesota, Otto had his choice of playing either basketball or football in college. The 6'4" guard will continue his career on the hardwood where he'll look to make an immediate impact for the Vikings. His senior season still ahead of him, Otto has already led Champlin Park high school to two-straight conference titles and an appearance in the Minnesota 6A (largest class) state title game. Over his junior season, Otto averaged more than 17 points per game, along with 3.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists as Champlin Park finished the year 22-6 and ranked No. 7 in Minnesota.

Billeter is thrilled about the signing of Bennett and knows he'll make a big-time impact on the defensive end "I felt Bennet was one of the best defensive guards I watched all summer, Billeter said, "he has a toughness and knows how to step in and take charges, bump cuts and go rebound.  He is a very good shooter and even better passer. He is definitely able to play both the one and the two and is a really good leader."

Bennet is undecided on a major as he gets set to become a Viking.

Isaac Fink – 6-4, 195 Lbs, Guard, Springfield, Minnesota / Springfield HS
Another multiple sport standout, Fink will look to participate in both Basketball and Baseball at Augustana in 2019-2020.  One of the most decorated athletes in the history of Springfield high school, Fink enters his senior seniors as school's All-Time leader in points (2,376), rebounds (865), assists (598), and steals (327). During Fink's junior campaign, he put up more than 26 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists per game. Fink led Springfield to the section final and was named First-team All-State, the Conference Player of the Year, Springfield Journal Player of the Year and the Area Player of the Year.

Billeter knows Fink is a true gym-rat and is looking forward to him joining the roster. "Isaac gives us a big perimeter player with a great basketball IQ and incredible work ethic," Billeter said, "Every time I would call him, he would be in, on his way, or just leaving the gym.  He has the ability to score both outside and in plus plays hard and has a great nose for the ball."

Isaac commitment to Augustana marks a family affair as his older brother, Alex, played baseball for the Vikings. Alex Fink was a two-time all NSIC selection and earned NCBWA regional honors his senior year. Augustana head coach Tim Huber is thrilled to have another member of the Fink family join his program as Isaac will also play baseball for the Vikings. "Isaac is a special situation for us in many ways. His brother Alex played for me, and I have stayed in close contact with him and his parents, Bob and Heidi," Huber said. "Isaac will also be unique in that he will be joining the basketball team as well. Being a pitcher we think a basketball and baseball combo can work and Isaac has a special work ethic. We know he will put the time in that is needed to continue improving once he gets to college. He has a long and lean frame and he has been working hard already this year to fill that frame out. Isaac is a very competitive person and finds a way to win and to improve individually. On the mound, Isaac has shown a good fastball and the ability to pitch. His change up is a solid offering for a high school guy and I think will be a good pitch for him in college. We project him to throw quite a bit harder once his body matures and he puts some time into training and fine-tuning his mechanics. I'm so very excited to have Isaac and the Fink family back in our program next year."

The youngest of three siblings, Fink is planning on majoring in Education at Augustana and hopes to one day become a college basketball coach

Matt Wheelock – 6-9, 245, Forward, Highlands Ranch, Colorado / Regis Jesuit HS
With his senior season set to start at the end of November, Wheelock has already made a big impact in the Colorado prep basketball scene. The forward averaged nearly 10 points and five rebounds a game while playing for his high school team, Regis Jesuit. Wheelock also twice earned all-conference honorable mention honors. Equally impressive, Wheelock played AAU basketball for Chauncy Billups Elite where he led the team to a 19-6 record and was ranked as the 15th best player in Colorado. Last summer, Wheelock recorded a career-high 37 points with seven made triples.

Billeter is looking forward to having Matt on campus and knows that a player with his size and versatility can make a difference for the Vikings. "We have always been impressed with Matt's mobility for a big man," Billeter said. "He has a really great feel for the game and soft touch on his shot.  He continues to work hard on all facets of basketball and should develop into one of the really good big men in our league. Matt runs extremely well, plays hard and has soft hands - his future is excellent!"

Although Wheelock is undecided on his major, he enjoys mountain biking, fishing, and traveling, and hopes to possibly play professional basketball overseas after college.