Laramie, Wyo. (August 6, 2020) – When new Wyoming head coach Jeff Linder took the job in March, Linder and his staff embarked on a journey to put together the top recruiting class in the Mountain West Conference. Linder was joined in Laramie by assistant coach Ken DeWeese and pair of excellent recruits in Marcus Williams and Xavier DuSell.

DuSell, an excellent shooter, ball handler and defender signed with Northern Colorado during the early signing period, but when Linder got the job at Wyoming, he thought it was a great opportunity to come to Laramie and play in the Mountain West. A talented recruit, he was listed as a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com.

"I originally committed to Northern Colorado and when coach Linder got the job here I kept my options open," DuSell said. "After a good talk with the staff at Northern Colorado I decided to come to Laramie. Coach Linder and his system is such a great fit for my style of play."

A native of Scottsdale, Ariz., he played at Compass Prep, one of the top schools in the State of Arizona. His hard working mentality helped lead his team to a Top-10 ranking and a 24-6 record thanks to his shooting and passing creativity.

"I have taken so many reps in the gym as a player," DuSell said. "I started shooting three-pointers at such a young age, at that time I should have been shooting layups and mid-range shots, but I love the challenge to increase my range and my consistency with my shooting."

DuSell also has experience playing against some of the top players in the Country. He played with and against some of the nation's top recruits during his time on Team Harden on the Adidas Gauntlet.

"I feel like that prepared me a lot for college basketball," DuSell said. "The guys I played against has help me for this level. In college basketball it doesn't matter who you play you are playing against talented players. I always look for the challenge, because in the end that makes you a better player."

As a prep, DuSell averaged over 15 points per game, four rebounds per game and added over three assists per game. A balanced offensive and defensive player, he will fit right into the Cowboy system as a freshman.

"Fans are going to see a player that plays hard and does whatever it takes to win," DuSell said. "I will be an exciting player on the offensive end and defensive end creating fast break and creating for my teammates. Because when your fellow players look good you look good as well."

DuSell and the Cowboys have been in workouts since mid-July. Workouts have included lifting along with individual and team workouts.

"I feel like I have improved on knowledge of the game," DuSell said. "I see it on so many levels right now on the offensive. I'm also ready to just continue to expand my mind on the game of basketball."

GoWyo.com will catch up with all the newcomers to Cowboy Basketball this summer.