Wyoming Coach Wants More Fight From Gores

Wyoming head coach Sundance Wicks wants his sophomore forward to play with more physical edge as the Cowboys prepare for the regular season. Wicks spoke after Wyoming's 76-61 exhibition win over the College of Idaho last Saturday at the Arena-Auditorium. Gavin Gores led the team with 18 points and added six rebounds while drawing eight fouls. Wicks still said afterward that he wants more from his second-year big man.

"Gavin needs to give us more fight," Wicks told reporters, adding that he was irritated by the team's lack of energy, effort, enthusiasm and leadership. Gores arrived at Wyoming for the 2025-26 season from Wisconsin. He stands 6-foot-10 and weighs 230 pounds. Wicks has repeatedly said he wants to build a tougher roster, comparing his current group to obedient golden labs rather than pit bulls.

Gores played sparingly early last season before his production climbed in January. He averaged 8.4 points per game that month, including 15 points in a 66-62 win over San Jose State. He also grabbed nearly five rebounds per game and stayed out of foul trouble. His numbers rose again in March, when he scored 11 against Nevada, posted a career-high 20 against San Jose State and put up 15 against UNLV in the first round of the Mountain West tournament.

Gores chose to stay at Wyoming after the season. His roommate, teammate Naz Meyer, decided to return as well. Gores told reporters at the Cowboys' media day in Laramie that he has high expectations for himself. "He has a lot to expect from me," Gores said. "I mean, I have a lot to expect from myself, and he knows that. So, I just have to keep raising my level." Teammate Parker Gerrits said after the College of Idaho game that he saw Gores attack the basket and play with the physicality the team lacked.

The Cowboys' next game is a regular season contest. Wicks said he may lean on Gores to carry the offense. "He's been unguardable in practice," Wicks said.