Lost in the euphoria of the first Cowboy win in football this season, were the pre-game activities that took place at the AA. Wyoming held an inter-squad scrimmage that pitted the White team verses the Gold team. The score and the make-up of these squads was not important but it did offer a first look at some of the 8 new players (including walk-ons) to this season’s roster. Below are some of my thoughts on individual players.

Alexander Aka Gorski – He is my number one candidate to have a big break through season. He is a smooth shooter and knocked down several three’s during the scrimmage. He could be UW’s go to guy for scoring early in the season with so many newcomers.

Jonathon Barnes – The sophomore big man looks to be in solid shape and looks visibly stronger than he did last year.

Austin Conway –  The freshman out of the Denver area looks like a legit player. He was playing shooting guard with Trey Washington taking up point guard duties for his team. He moves well off the ball and it would not surprise me to see him play as a true freshman at point or shooting guard.

Hayden Dalton – Dalton is rail thin but bouncy. He has a good basketball IQ and had a high work rate in the scrimmage always keeping his feet moving. A redshirt is possible for this season to get him up to D-1 strength.

Justin James – Did not play in the scrimmage due to an ankle injury.

Morris Marshall – The JUCO transfer looks like he can be an immediate contributor with his athleticism and a solid inside and outside game.

Jordan Naughton – The California freshman has a solid frame and it looks like he is still growing and could get much stronger after a few years in the weight room. At six-foot-ten and 235 pounds that is a scary proposition. With proper development he has the chance to be on of the best pure post players Wyoming has had in a long time.

Overall this program looks to be developing some solid depth. I am not sure how many of the newcomers will be able to contribute right away this season (due to Shyatt’s defensive system) but in two to three years time the Pokes should have 8 to 10 reliable players in the rotation. This type of depth is invaluable and is how you build the foundations of a program that can be successful for years to come.