Hunter Thompson has big shoes to fill. The Wyoming Cowboys are counting on the former Pine Bluffs Hornet to replace Hayden Dalton, who averaged 17.7 points and 7.8 rebounds last season.

The 6'10" redshirt freshman will join three junior college transfers and five true freshmen on the new-look Wyoming squad. Thompson was ranked as a four-star recruit out of high school and was invited to attend the National Basketball Players Association's Top 100 Camp. He originally committed to Creighton before opting to stay closer to home.

"I have something to prove to the state of Wyoming," Thompson told WyoPreps in 2017. "Playing in Wyoming, the least populated state in the nation, and nobody really cares if I'm good or not, I kept myself humble."

If Thompson's college career is anything like high school, he will be a formidable force in the Pokes frontcourt. Pine Bluffs went 97-17 with Thompson in the lineup, winning consecutive state titles as a junior and senior.

Of course, he'll face tougher competition at the next level, but don't be surprised if Wyoming's 2017 Mr. Basketball is a key contributor for coach Allen Edwards and the Cowboys for years to come.

 

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