A Family Legacy on the Court
Sundance Wicks, once a standout college player, now leads the Wyoming Cowboys and has taken on the unusual responsibility of coaching the sons of his former teammates. Among those players is Kelan Gruver, a freshman guard whose basketball pedigree runs deep in the state of Kansas.
Gruver arrived on campus after being named the Class 5A Player of the Year at Bonner Springs High School, where he guided his team to a state championship and earned a reputation for relentless work ethic. His father, Drew Gruver, a longtime high school coach, played alongside Wicks and Steve Smiley during their college years, creating a network of mentors that now spans three generations.
Adjusting to the physicality and intensity of Division I basketball has been a steep learning curve for the young guard, but Wicks has made it clear that every walk‑on will be treated with the same demanding standards as established scholarship players. The coach’s philosophy emphasizes relentless development, and he has expressed confidence that Gruver can make a meaningful contribution if he continues to refine his skills.
Beyond the hardwood, Gruver plans to major in civil engineering, a pursuit that reflects his analytical mindset and desire to build something lasting. The blend of athletic ambition and academic focus paints a picture of a player who sees the court as a laboratory for growth.
The emerging family dynamic adds an extra layer of intrigue to the team’s chemistry. With Drew Gruver’s coaching experience and Steve Smiley’s current role as head coach at Northern Colorado, the network of former teammates-turned-coaches continues to expand, promising a unique blend of tradition and fresh perspective for Wyoming basketball.