Wyoming announces All-Century hoops team
By the Star-Tribune Staff
Laramie – Four All-Americans, the leaders in career scoring, rebounding and shot-
blocking, one of the most popular players to ever come out of the state, and the Cowboy who invented the jump shot, are among 10 University of Wyoming lettermen voted by fans to the school’s All-Century basketball team.
The team, which is part of the celebration commemorating 100 years of Wyoming basketball, was announced Thursday by UW athletics director Gary Barta.
“Wherever I’ve been, I’ve always been extremely appreciative of the institution’s history and tradition,” said Barta. “We are grateful to all of those who have gone before us, competed and laid the ground work for what is Cowboy basketball today.
“I think the fans did a terrific job of identifying and voting for the best of the best, and we thank them for participating.
“This All-Century Team is an outstanding one, and we look forward to having these great Cowboys come back for our reunion weekend.”
Cowboy fans voted online and at the Arena-Auditorium during the Texas-Arlington game, Nov. 27. More than 1,800 ballots were received. The All-Century Team will be recognized at halftime of the Utah-Wyoming game on Jan. 15. That weekend will also include a reunion of all Cowboy basketball lettermen and coaches.
Fans were asked to nominate their favorites during a two-week period in early November. The ballot for the team was comprised of the top 30 nominees. Two weeks of voting followed the nomination period.
Kenny Sailors (Hillsdale 1941-43, ’46)
The only basketball player in Wyoming history to earn All-American status three times. Sailors, a native of Hillsdale, was selected an All-American in 1942, 1943 and 1946. He was the unanimous selection for College Basketball Player of the Year in 1943 and was named the MVP of the 1943 NCAA tournament. After serving in World War II, Sailors returned for his final season, and earned All-American and Player of the Year honors in 1946. He guided Wyoming to the NCAA championship in 1943. Sailors is credited with inventing the jump shot and played several seasons in the NBA. Inducted into the UW Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993.