Will Hoops Version of the Border War Survive Realignment?

LARAMIE -- Will the basketball version of the Border War survive realignment?

Sundance Wicks certainly hopes so.

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In a perfect world, these two rivals -- Wyoming and Colorado State -- would play twice in the non-conference slate with the Rams bolting for the new-look Pac-12.

"It's very possible, right? You know me, I don't want to lose that rivalry. I don't care what league we're playing in. We should always play," Wicks said Tuesday inside the Arena-Auditorium at the team's annual media day. "... I think that series should be forever, to be honest with you. It's what's right with college athletics, is rivalries.

"Those things need to exist. They should exist."

Athletic directors from both schools are saying all the right things when it comes to the football side of things. That game has been played almost annually since 1899. The Bronze Boot, a traveling trophy that was actually worn in the Vietnam War, has been on the line for nearly six decades.

"We both agreed that it seems logical to continue to play this game," Wyoming's Tom Burman said, referring to a conversation he had with John Weber on Sept. 12, the day CSU announced it would be leaving the league. "You know, like anybody, my emotions have gone like this, but we got to make business decisions. It's 65 miles away, that Bronze Boot, that tradition, has value. We shouldn't throw that away due to egos."

Wyoming owns a 138-102 advantage against the Rams on the hardwood. That series dates all the way back to 1911. From 1940-51, the Cowboys won 31 straight over their nemesis from Fort Collins.

These two split the series last season, Wyoming overcoming an 11-point deficit with 1:11 remaining in regulation. Forward Mason Walters hit a turnaround shot at the buzzer to force overtime. Guard Akuel Kot completed a four-point play in the dying seconds of the extra frame to lift the Cowboys to a 79-76 victory over the 24th-ranked team in the nation.

Wicks said he has spoken with CSU head basketball coach Niko Medved. There is definitely a mutual interest to play this game, he added. There's a number of reasons for that, one being costs.

"It's also what's right fiscally. It's responsible, right? To be able to travel 65 miles each way and not have to worry about, you know, flights and hotels for multiple days and all this," Wicks added. "Like, it's just good. It's good for the brand. It's good for both brands. So, you know where I stand on that."

CSU, along with Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State and Utah State, will officially leave the conference ahead of the 2026 season.

Wicks said his focus is in the moment. These two hated rivals still have at least four guaranteed matchups ahead, beginning Jan. 18 in Laramie.

"I try not to let my emotions swing me one way or the other. That's for a lot more people higher up than me to make those decisions," he said of this game. "... All I can focus on is making sure these pups, these young Cowboys, these vaqueros are ready to rock and roll when we start playing."

Wyoming will host the College of Idaho in an exhibition game this Friday. Tipoff is slated for 6:30 p.m.