Pokes add shooter, now need size

The Wyoming men’s basketball team got a verbal commitment from 6-4 wing Francisco Cruz from Western Nebraska Community College late Sunday night.

Cruz visited UW last weekend and will have two years of eligibility with the Cowboys.

He joins Joe Hudson, a 6-1 sharp-shooting guard from Escondido High in Escondido, Calif., as verbal commitments thus far. Hudson committed last month. He didn’t pass the the eye test just looking at him. He looked a little small, but looks aren’t everything, right? If he can shoot, who cares what he looks like.

So if UW has addressed its shooting woes, what’s next with two scholarships still available?

How about some size inside. Sophomore Adam Waddell and junior Djibril Thiam (6-10) return next season, and Amath M’Baye (6-9) has shown some promise this season as a true freshman.

Even though he’s 7-2, sophomore Boubacar Sylla hasn’t panned out because of foot problems. There is a good chance he won’t ever be healthy enough to play.

UW needs a stronger presence down low, both offensively and defensively.

Easier said than done, but it’s the truth.

See Tuesday’s paper for more on Cruz.