Imagine stepping into a packed arena where the crowd's roar feels like it's shaking the very foundation of the court—this is the electric atmosphere awaiting Wyoming's basketball team as they prepare to face South Dakota State in a showdown that could redefine their season.
LARAMIE – Sundance Wicks, the energetic second-year head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys, is brimming with enthusiasm as he gears up to lead his squad toward a standout performance in the Mountain West Conference. But here's where it gets intriguing: this upcoming contest against South Dakota State isn't just another game; it's a nostalgic trip for Wicks himself, set to unfold on Monday evening at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
As a former assistant coach at Northern State University—his beloved alma mater—Wicks experienced a bittersweet moment at that very venue during the 2017-18 season. His team, the Wolves, suffered a agonizing 71-69 defeat to Ferris State in the NCAA Division II national championship, leaving an indelible mark on his memory.
"It's such an intense setting when it's fully occupied," Wicks shared, describing the Sanford Pentagon. "The supporters are practically on top of you, creating this exhilarating vibe that reminds me of the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. I'm genuinely thrilled for our players to immerse themselves in that experience."
Although officially classified as a neutral-site matchup, the Cowboys (currently 8-2) will encounter a formidable challenge from approximately 3,500 ardent Jackrabbits fans (their opponents stand at 7-5), striving to secure their inaugural victory beyond the comforts of Laramie as they conclude their non-conference schedule.
Wyoming has been dominating at home, recently achieving a perfect 8-0 record with a commanding 106-79 triumph over South Dakota just six days prior. However, they've faced hurdles on the road, including missing 13 free throws in a tight 78-70 loss to Sam Houston State and coming agonizingly close to upsetting No. 20 Texas Tech with a 76-72 scoreline in their initial away contests this year.
"This is massive for us," Wicks emphasized. "There's no sugarcoating it—we absolutely must secure a road win." He added, "Of course, conquering home games is crucial, and we emphasize that regularly. But let's be real: we can't twist our mindset; we need to excel away from home. Last season, we went 3-10 on the road and 1-3 at neutral sites, finishing 12-20 overall. This revamped team, with 12 fresh faces, is poised to make waves in the Mountain West, silencing skeptical crowds far from our supportive home turf."
And this is the part most people miss: the Cowboys' transformation isn't just about new players—it's about building resilience. For beginners in college basketball, think of the road record as a crucial metric; teams that struggle away often find league play tougher, as hostile environments test mental toughness.
Leading Wyoming's offense is senior point guard Leland Walker, who tops the team in scoring at 14.1 points per game and dishing out 4.0 assists per game. Meanwhile, true freshman Nasir 'Naz' Meyer, fresh off a career-best 26 points versus South Dakota, is contributing 12.3 points and 4.6 rebounds. They form a dynamic backcourt alongside Khaden Bennett (averaging 10.4 points and 4.7 rebounds), Damarion Dennis (9.4 points per game), and Uriyah Rojas (8.7 points per game).
Opposing them will be South Dakota State's formidable frontcourt, including 6-foot-7 forward Matthew Mors (7.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game), 6-foot-10 Alec Squires (4.8 points and 4.7 rebounds), and 6-foot-10 Damon Wilkinson (11.8 points and 6.6 rebounds).
"I'm anticipating an exciting strategic duel," Wicks remarked. "In my view, it mirrors what we'll face in the Mountain West, which is precisely why I arranged this matchup before conference action. Regardless of the outcome, I want our players to gain experience battling in tough spots against skilled, physical adversaries—and that's exactly what South Dakota State offers."
Drawing from his playing days at Northern State, Wicks faced the Jackrabbits on four occasions, showcasing his prowess with nearly 13 points and nine rebounds per game. As a native of Rapid City, South Dakota, he'll have personal cheerleaders in the stands, with family and pals donning Wyoming's brown and gold amid the sea of blue and yellow.
"South Dakota State supporters are notorious for traveling in droves, and I anticipate no less for this event," Wicks noted. "This presents a fantastic opportunity for us to compete at a neutral location against a top-tier rival that's consistently contending for the Summit League title year after year."
But here's where it gets controversial: Is scheduling tough non-conference games like this a smart strategy, or does it risk early-season injuries that could derail a team's momentum? Some coaches swear by it for building character, while others argue it exposes vulnerabilities too soon. What do you think—does Wicks' approach pay off, or is it a gamble?
Wyoming kicks off Mountain West play on Saturday at 2 p.m. against Grand Canyon inside the Arena-Auditorium.
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What are your thoughts on Wyoming's road challenges? Do you agree with Wicks on the importance of winning away, or see it differently? Share your opinions in the comments below—let's spark a debate!
