Wyoming's basketball team is gearing up for a high-octane season that could redefine what it means to play fast. Imagine a squad that’s built not on brute strength but on pure, unrelenting speed—this is the vision Coach Sundance Wicks has crafted for the Cowboys. But here’s the catch: this approach isn’t just about running; it’s about outthinking opponents, outmaneuvering them, and leveraging every advantage, even the ones that might seem counterintuitive. And this is the part most people miss: Wyoming’s strategy hinges on a delicate balance between speed, size, and altitude—a mix that could either catapult them to success or leave them struggling to keep up.
Last season, Wicks faced a challenge most coaches would dread: assembling a competitive roster in just 27 days. He called it "speed dating," a chaotic rush to find players who fit his philosophy. This year, though, he’s had the luxury of a full offseason. The result? A team loaded with 12 new faces, seven of whom came through the NCAA Transfer Portal. But Wicks hasn’t compromised on his core values. He still prioritizes character, leadership, and grit—but now, he’s also chasing speed.
The Cowboys’ new look is anything but intimidating at first glance. Their average height? Just 6-foot-7, which might sound like a disadvantage. But don’t be fooled. Wicks is banking on the fact that speed can often outweigh size. "If you have size without speed, it doesn’t matter," he explains. "You need speed to create opportunities, to exploit weaknesses, and to keep opponents on their heels." The guard position, in particular, is a fortress of talent: freshman Naz Meyer, veteran Uriyah Rojas, and 6-foot-1 Leland Walker bring a blend of youth and experience that could turn the court into a track.
This isn’t your grandfather’s basketball. The old playbook—draining the shot clock, executing set plays—is gone. Instead, Wyoming is embracing a system called "RP40," short for "relentless pressure for 40 minutes." The goal? To force opponents into mistakes by constantly attacking the basket, taking quick shots from the paint, and avoiding long-range attempts. It’s a style that harks back to the early 2000s, when Steve McClain’s teams stunned Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament. That era’s star, Chris McMillian, now a member of Wicks’ staff, recalls the chaos of "boat racing"—playing as fast as possible to overwhelm opponents. "We were shifty, fast, and unrelenting," he says. "That’s what this team is trying to recreate."
But speed alone isn’t enough. Wyoming’s frontcourt still has size: 6-foot-10 rookie Gavin Gores, 6-foot-9 newcomers Neil Summers and Simm-Marten Saadi, and returning forwards Abou Magassa and Matija Belic. Even 6-foot-8 transfer Kiani Saxon, known for his work ethic, adds a physical presence. "We’re not huge, but we’re quick," says Saxon. "Coach Wicks has built a team that’s athletic, disciplined, and ready to play fast."
The altitude of the Arena-Auditorium—7,220 feet above sea level—adds another layer to the equation. Wicks isn’t just using it as a gimmick; he’s designing strategies around the physiological challenges it poses. "Teams that aren’t acclimated will struggle," he says. Gores, who arrived in Laramie last June, admits the climb to the court was exhausting at first. "Walking felt like a marathon," he laughs. But now, he’s eager to see how opponents react.
Defensively, Wyoming isn’t resting on its laurels. Last season, they allowed over 71 points per game and let opponents shoot 45% from the field. This year, Wicks plans to mix up his approach, using traps, presses, and switches to disrupt opponents’ rhythm. "Defense has to carry us when the offense isn’t clicking," says McMillian, noting that the 2000s teams didn’t always prioritize defense. "That’s different now. We have to be ready to play both ends."
With a roster still adjusting to full practice, Wicks is focused on finding the right chemistry. "It’s a good problem to have," he says, acknowledging the challenge of balancing talent and teamwork. As the season approaches, one thing is clear: Wyoming’s new identity is bold, unapologetic, and built on a simple truth: in college basketball, sometimes the fastest team wins.
But here’s the question: Can a team without traditional size and physicality compete at the highest level? Or is this strategy just a temporary fix? Share your thoughts—do you think Wyoming’s gamble on speed will pay off, or is it a risky move that could backfire? The debate is wide open, and the Cowboys are ready to prove they’re not just running—they’re redefining the game.
