LARAMIE – A Kiwi version of Cole Henry.
 
That's the early projection of what Kiani Saxon's role will be for the 2025-26 Cowboys.
 
The 6-foot-8, 210-pound senior brings a wealth of experience, although not at the Division I level as Henry did, and a personality that will help Wyoming head coach Sundance Wicks marry his message with a roster that includes 12 new players.
 
"What he has is Cole's demeanor, Cole's personality," Wicks said of Saxon. "He's fun loving, he's the guy you want to be around to just hang out with. Every team needs a guy who is an easy hang. …
 
"Kiani is such a good vocal leader in the locker room because he says the right things."
 
Henry, who spent five seasons at Northern Iowa, was almost like a player-coach for UW during his final season. The Pokes will need Saxon to be an efficient contributor in the post and a leader in the locker room.
 
After some trial by fire early in the summer, the Missouri Western graduate transfer is feeling more comfortable with the Cowboys.
 
"I think my first two weeks here playing I'm trying to hit the backdoor (passes) I hit against DII defense, and I would be intercepted just because the defenders are so much quicker, so much more physical," Saxon said. "It was an adjustment but six weeks in I'm getting used to it."
 
Saxon, who is from Auckland, New Zealand, will likely feel a tinge of jealousy if he walks by the fields on fraternity row and sees the UW Men's Rugby Club competing this fall.
 
"Every New Zealand kid, every Kiwi kid grows up playing rugby at some point in their life. So, I was a big rugby guy. I wanted to be an All Black, I wanted to play for the New Zealand rugby team," Saxon said. "Then everyone kind of started to fill out a little bit and I kept on going up. I thought I would make the strategic decision to use my length and talents in a way that actually helps me, so I started to play basketball."
 
Saxon started playing basketball in middle school and then realized in high school there was a path to continue his career in college. He made the long journey to rural Louisiana to play at the junior college level for LSU Eunice as a freshman without seeing the campus ahead of time. He also played at Liston College back in New Zealand before spending the past two seasons at Missouri Western.
 
"It was always a challenge. I wasn't a person that liked change a lot in high school. I didn't get to visit my first college I went to so that was scary," Saxon said. "I didn't know what the town looked like. But I feel like everything is a test and happens for a reason. I didn't have the greatest facilities there, but I built up my way from there and my family always supported me. Mom was always calling making sure I'm good, making sure I'm eating right. (My parents) make it easy knowing I have them in my corner."
 
After averaging 7.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game over the past two seasons, Saxon wasn't sure where his next landing spot would be when Missouri State head coach Will Martin left to reunite with Wicks at UW.
 
"Initially I didn't think it was in the cards. It was a long process," Saxon said. "When (Martin) called me and said Coach Wicks asked about me I said, 'Yeah, this is probably it.'"
 
Wicks retained 6-7 forwards Matija Belic and Abou Magassa from last season's team and signed freshmen Gavin Gores (6-10), Simm-Marten Saadi (6-9) and Neil Summers (6-9).
 
Saxon adds the mature presence Henry provided on and off the court.
 
"Kiani has been coached by Will Martin who knows everything about our program already. You've got to have guys like that who can level everything out," Wicks said. "We're going to have to play through him, connect through him and put a lot on his shoulders."
 
Saxon said Magassa has been leading the big men but as a senior he will also be vocal as UW looks to make dramatic improvement during Wicks' sescond season as head coach.
 
"We're all going on this journey learning Division I, learning the Mountain West, learning Wyoming basketball together. It's been pretty amazing so far," Saxon said of the newcomers. "I take pride in coaching the guys and I want to take that up even more. I want to keep us grounded. There are so many exterior things going on, especially in a team environment, so I think it's really important to lock in on the things you can control and usually those exterior things fall into place, and you succeed."
 
Wicks, of course, was successful in his unique way of making Saxon feel comfortable during the recruiting process and saying yes to a last ride with the Cowboys.
 
"When he first called me, I kept on smiling. After I got off the phone with him, I called my mom and I think my cheeks were getting sore," Saxon said. "I was like, man, he's a really positive guy and pulled off this Australian accent. I'm from New Zealand but he used an Australian accent, which is always funny.
 
"Being coached by him is amazing. He's going to bring out the best in you, he's going to get on your butt and get the best out of you on the court. Whether it's going up to his office or film he's always going to be there to help you get to where both yourself and he wants you to be."
 
(Editor's note: This is the eighth in a 12-part series introducing fans to UW's new men's basketball players. Next up: Neil Summers).
 
If you are interested in learning more about NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) or would like to support our student-athletes, please visit 1wyo.org. 1WYO was created out of Wyoming's culture of neighbor helping neighbor. The mission is to promote and strengthen local charitable organizations and develop Wyoming student athletes. 
 
Follow Ryan for more stories on Wyoming athletics on X at @By_RyanThorburn on Facebook at Wyoming Athletics and Instagram at wyoathletics. Also follow him at Pokes Insider at Gowyo.com/pokesinsider.