Nevada basketball player Xavier DuSell and Wyoming head coach Sundance Wicks share a connection that transcends their time together on the court—a simple black-and-yellow wristband that symbolizes their enduring bond, NSN Nevada Sportsnet reports.
Their shared history began in 2020 when Wicks was an assistant coach for the Wyoming Cowboys, and DuSell was a freshman learning the ropes of collegiate basketball.
Wicks recalls his first impressions of DuSell fondly.
“How could you not remember the guy with his hair that couldn’t fit through the doorway and this jovial personality? X is an alien. He’s not from this planet,” Wicks said during Mountain West media days.
DuSell initially committed to Northern Colorado but switched to Wyoming when head coach Jeff Linder took over the Cowboys program. Over three seasons, DuSell developed his skills under Wicks and Linder, playing in 86 games and averaging 8.3 points per game while hitting 41.1% of his shots and 39.6% from beyond the arc. He led Wyoming in made three-pointers as a freshman, ranking among the top in the Mountain West.
After three seasons at Wyoming, DuSell transferred to Fresno State, where he posted a career-high 11.5 points per game. When Fresno State underwent coaching changes, DuSell opted to continue his career at Nevada.
“I just felt like I could do more somewhere else and make a bigger impact,” DuSell said of his decision.
Now in his final collegiate season, DuSell has become one of the Mountain West’s top sharpshooters, recently moving into fourth place all-time in the conference for three-pointers made.
Amid these transitions, DuSell and Wicks maintained their connection through matching wristbands exchanged during their Wyoming days. The bands have become a source of motivation and a reminder of their bond.
“It’s nothing other than a reminder that I’m still here for you,” Wicks explained. “Maybe he’s out there still wearing the wristband I gave him, but I’m still carrying that kid’s cross right there because the brothers do.”
DuSell indeed still wears his wristband, albeit in an unconventional way.
“I tuck them in my sock every single time that I play basketball… It’s a reminder of where I was and where I’m trying to still get to,” he said.
DuSell will return to Wyoming’s Arena Auditorium this weekend, facing his former team and his old coach, now leading the Cowboys. Wicks spoke highly of DuSell’s character and talent but made it clear they will compete fiercely on game day.
“I love coaching him. I’m going to hate coaching against him,” Wicks said. “I’m going to tell him I love him, and then I’m going to tell him I’m going to kick his butt at the same time.”
DuSell, meanwhile, looks forward to the matchup.
“It’s always nice seeing a friendly face and being able to compete against them, too. It’s going to be a fun night,” he said.
