Sundance Wicks has been named the head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys men’s basketball team. This appointment marks a significant milestone for the University of Wyoming, as Wicks is their 23rd head coach.
His journey to this role is impressive, with stints as an assistant coach at various institutions, including Northern State University and Texas Tech.
A native of Gillette, Sundance Wicks brings a wealth of experience to the Cowboys. As a former head coach at Green Bay, Wicks demonstrated his ability to lead and develop a team.
Notably, his work with the Missouri Western men’s basketball team earned him recognition in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
His appointed role in Wyoming now places him at the helm of a program that has seen historic success and has deep roots in the community.
Wicks’ connection to the state of Wyoming and his commitment to the “Cowboy Way” are evident in his coaching philosophy.
His blue-collar background from the coal mines and ranches of Wyoming shaped his approach to leadership and teamwork.
By bringing in a coach with such strong ties to the community and a proven track record, the University aims to build on their storied history and strive for future success in the Division II level of play.
Who Is Sundance Wicks?
Sundance Wicks is the new head coach for the University of Wyoming Cowboys basketball team. His journey from growing up in Wyoming to leading a collegiate basketball team is highlighted by his coaching stints and personal life.
Where Did Sundance Wicks Grow Up?
Sundance Wicks grew up in Gillette, a town in the state of Wyoming. He attended Campbell County High School where he began his journey into basketball, earning recognition for his skills on the court.
Gillette provided the early environment that shaped his career, instilling a deep connection to his home state.
Where Did Sundance Wicks Play College Basketball?
Sundance Wicks played college basketball at Northern State University in South Dakota. He made a mark during his time there, known for his performance as a player.
His collegiate career was important in building his knowledge of the game and set the stage for his future in coaching.
Where Does Sundance Wicks Live?
Sundance Wicks currently resides in Laramie, Wyoming. This move came after his appointment as the head coach of the University of Wyoming Cowboys basketball team.
Living in Laramie allows him to be close to work and maintain his roots within the state.
Who Is Sundance Wicks Married To?
Sundance Wicks is married to Sherene Wicks. Their relationship has been a pillar of support throughout his career in coaching.
Marriage has provided him with personal stability, essential for the demanding life of a college basketball coach.
Sundance Wicks’ Professional Career
Sundance Wicks’ professional career in college basketball has seen him coach various teams and lead successful turnarounds. This section covers his coaching history, current role, aspirations, achievements, and comparisons to similar coaches.
What Teams Has Sundance Wicks Previously Coached For?
Sundance Wicks has an extensive coaching background. He served as the head coach for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Missouri Western State University.
Prior to that, Wicks was an assistant coach at several institutions, including Northern State University.
He has held roles such as graduate assistant and top assistant coach during his career as well.
His experience spans multiple divisions, enhancing his coaching skills and strategies.
What Team Is Sundance Wicks Currently Coaching For?
Wicks is currently the head coach of the men’s basketball team at the University of Wyoming.
Since joining the Cowboys, he has been instrumental in improving the team’s performance.
Under his leadership, Wyoming has made significant strides in the Mountain West Conference and secured an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. His coaching emphasizes strong defense and an efficient offense.
Does Sundance Wicks Want to Coach in the NBA?
While Sundance Wicks has not publicly spoken about aspirations to coach in the NBA, his current focus remains on collegiate basketball.
He has shown dedication to building and developing college teams, especially through his recent work at Wyoming.
His commitment to college basketball and his alignment with the needs of young athletes suggest that his immediate goals are centered around creating a competitive team at the University of Wyoming.
What Are Sundance Wicks’ Future Prospects?
Wicks’ future prospects in coaching look promising.
His successful track record in turning around struggling programs and his ability to recruit talented players like Graham Ike bode well for his career.
Given his achievements and continued improvement of the teams he coaches, Wicks could potentially be considered for more prominent coaching roles within NCAA Basketball.
His name is often mentioned in discussions about rising stars in coaching.
Sundance Wicks’ Major Achievements And Awards
Sundance Wicks has several significant achievements in his coaching career.
He led Missouri Western to remarkable seasons and improved Green Bay’s performance during his tenure there.
At Wyoming, his efforts helped the team reach the NCAA Tournament, marking their first at-large bid in several years.
His work earned him recognition and nominations for awards, such as the Joe B. Hall National Coach of the Year.
Similar Coaches To Sundance Wicks
Similar coaches to Sundance Wicks include Jeff Linder, who also has a reputation for turning around programs and has had success at Northern Colorado and Wyoming.
Another comparable coach is Grant McCasland, known for his work at North Texas and Texas Tech.
Both share a focus on strong defensive strategies and player development, mirroring Wicks’ approach to coaching. Their careers reflect a similar trajectory in climbing the ranks of college basketball coaching.
How Does Sundance Wicks Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
Sundance Wicks has made significant strides in managing both the Transfer Portal and NIL money effectively.
Sundance Wicks And Transfer Portal
Sundance Wicks has shown a keen eye for talent in the Transfer Portal.
He has successfully brought in key transfers to strengthen the team.
His experience as a former assistant coach at Wyoming and head coach at Green Bay has helped him identify and attract players that fit his system.
Transfers have been essential in filling gaps in the roster, allowing Wicks to build a more competitive team quickly.
His ability to sell the program’s culture and vision has made Wyoming an attractive destination for transfers looking for a fresh start.
This approach has not only improved the team’s performance but also provided student-athletes with better opportunities to succeed.
Sundance Wicks And NIL Money
Wicks has embraced the changes brought by NIL money.
Recognizing its importance, he has worked to help his athletes navigate NIL opportunities.
By partnering with local businesses and leveraging Wyoming’s community-focused culture, Wicks has been able to secure valuable deals for his players.
These NIL opportunities have provided student-athletes with financial benefits, allowing them to focus more on their development on and off the court.
The NCAA’s decision to allow athletes to profit from their names, images, and likenesses has been a game-changer.
Wicks has ensured that his players maximize these opportunities, helping them build their brand while contributing to the team’s overall success.
How Much Is Sundance Wicks’ Contract For?
Sundance Wicks, the new head coach for the Wyoming Cowboys, has a detailed contract that outlines his salary and potential incentives. His deal was negotiated with Director of Athletics Tom Burman to ensure competitive compensation.
How Much Does Sundance Wicks Make In Salary Per Year?
Sundance Wicks will earn a significant salary during his tenure at the University of Wyoming.
His base salary starts at $850,000 for the 2025-26 season. It then increases annually, reaching $875,000 for 2026-27, $925,000 for 2027-28, and finally, $950,000 in the 2028-29 season.
These figures show a steady growth in his compensation, likely reflecting expected performance and retention strategies employed by the athletics department under Tom Burman.
For more details on his salary structure, you can check the full report here.
How Much Does Sundance Wicks Make In Incentives Per Year?
Beyond his base salary, Sundance Wicks has several opportunities to increase his income through incentives.
These can come from academic achievements, team performance, and other milestones.
While exact figures for each incentive category aren’t readily available, such incentives are common in collegiate coaching contracts to motivate and reward exceptional performance and efforts like reaching championships or maintaining high academic standards among players.
These incentives are often detailed in contracts as a way to align the coach’s objectives with institutional goals. For more information on his potential earnings, read more here.
What Is Sundance Wicks’ Net Worth?
Sundance Wicks, the head coach of Wyoming Cowboys men’s basketball team, has built a notable career in college basketball. His appointment at Wyoming has added significantly to his net worth.
According to his contract, Wicks earns a base salary that increases yearly:
- 2024-25: $825,000
- 2025-26: $850,000
- 2026-27: $875,000
- 2027-28: $925,000
- 2028-29: $950,000
In addition to the base salary, Wicks has several opportunities to earn additional income through academic and performance bonuses, making his financial situation quite stable.
Including his past coaching positions at Green Bay and Missouri Western, and various assistant roles, Wicks’ estimated net worth is around $2 million. This figure considers his annual earnings, bonuses, and other professional activities related to basketball. His career trajectory and reputation play a significant role in his financial standing.
For more detailed information, you can visit relevant sources about his earnings at UW, and his successful return to Wyoming.