UW Utilizing “Small But Mighty” Approach to Offensive Rebounding

LARAMIE -- Wyoming is playing with a "small but mighty" mindset.

Though it isn't always producing positive results in the standings, the effort has been undeniable.

Just look at the offensive-rebound statistic.

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The Cowboys, who have been without the services of their tallest player -- 6-foot-10 forward Gavin Gores -- over the previous three outings, have still held the edge in that category. In fact, in back-to-back losses to Utah State and Colorado State, it was pure dominance: 10-3.

In Tuesday's night's 92-82 victory over Fresno State inside the Arena-Auditorium, Wyoming again won that battle, 12-11.

What was the biggest difference in the outcome? Second-chance points.

The number reached 18 against the Bulldogs. That's the same amount the Cowboys scored against both the Aggies and Rams.

Sundance Wicks' roster is one of the smallest in Division-I basketball. He said they rank around 260th in the country out of 361 programs. Still, Wyoming sits atop the standings when it comes to offensive boards, snagging more than a dozen a game.

How?

"We're disciplined in our approach," the second-year head coach said. "Which part of that, we give up some transition, too, but we're trying to get more possessions."

Khaden Barnett, all 6-foot-4 of him, paces the team, averaging 5.1 rebounds a night. He hauled in eight of those in the win over Fresno State, including four on the offensive end of the floor. Naz Meyer sits at 4.6 boards an outing. Leland Walker hauls in three.

Those are all guards.

"It takes warriors like that," Wicks said. "He's a guy that shows up every day and gets two to four rebounds ... I can't believe people ever undervalued that kid. He's such a winner."

Wicks said a second-half collapse in Fort Collins last Saturday was a direct result of being "selfish and soft." If that postgame message wasn't clear enough, he plastered it across the whiteboard in the locker room before his team took the floor against Fresno State, a program that had won three of the previous four meetings in the series.

"Trust your teammates."

That was the rallying cry. That's also how this squad can compete in the all-too slim margins.

"Selfish dreams don't come true," Wicks added. "When you trust your teammates, that's what it looks like. It doesn't have to be one guy with seven assists and dominating the ball. But this, I mean, that's a beautiful thing to see right there. It's unbelievable basketball, right?"

That small-ball approach is about to face a major road test this Saturday in Phoenix when the Cowboys take on Grand Canyon. Tipoff is slated for 6 p.m. and the game will be streamed on the Mountain West Network. Wyoming will follow that up with a trip to Boise next Tuesday to face the Broncos.

-PRESS PASS: Roaming The War