Wicks, Cowboys Add 6-11 Forward to Frontcourt

LARAMIE -- "Ein toller Tag, ein Cowboy zu sein!"

Sundance Wicks penned that phrase on social media last week, followed by a German flag emoji.

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It means "A great day to be a Cowboy" in English. It was in reference to Linus Ruf, the newest member of Wyoming's frontcourt.

The 6-foot-11 power forward averaged 7.1 points and nearly four rebounds a night in 21 minutes of work for Germany's Pro A team during the 2025-26 campaign. Ruf reached double figures a dozen times in 31 outings.

The 20-year-old's best offensive output came in an 88-84 loss at Eisbären Bremerhaven in early November where he netted a season-high 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting. He also connected on one of his two made threes for the season. Ruf attempted just eight shots from deep all year.

Arguably his best overall performance came six days prior when he poured in 12 points and reeled in eight rebounds in a rout of Baskets Paderborn.

Ruf is the fourth known transfer to join the program this offseason, joining fellow big man Renars Sondors (Louisiana Monroe), along with guards Michael Mora (Cal State Monterey) and Parker Gerrits (Washington State).

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* Wyoming Hoops Lands Recommitment From Program 'Flag Bearers'

* Senior Guard Uriyah Rojas Announces He is Staying Put

* Tallgrass Named First Jersey Patch Partner for UW Athletics

* Wyoming Guard Adam Harakow Entering NCAA Transfer Portal

Guards Naz Meyer and Khaden Bennett announced earlier this month they will return. That duo combined for nearly 24 points and 10 rebounds per game last winter. Back-up point guard Uriyah Rojas will also be back for his senior campaign. He netted 6.2 a night while averaging 16.5 minutes of court time.

Forward Gavin Gores will also be back for his sophomore season.

Guards Damarion Dennis (Texas Tech), Jared Harris and Adam Harakow (Western Michigan) all entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. So did big men Simm-Marten Saadi (Central Arkansas) and Abou Magassa.

Wyoming won 18 games last season, the best output since punching its ticket to the First Four of the NCAA Tournament in 2022. Wicks' squad was ousted in the opening round of the National Invitational Tournament by Wichita State.

The Mountain West will look much different this fall with the departures of San Diego State, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State and defending conference champion Utah State. Those five are headed to the reimagined Pac-12. The league will now welcome Hawaii as a full-time member. Grand Canyon was inserted a year ahead of schedule and finished fourth overall with 20 wins. UC Davis' basketball programs will also enter the league this summer.

UNLV, Air Force, New Mexico, Nevada and San Jose State also remain.

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