ThunderRidge Hoops Star Teen Signs With Wyoming

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming coach Larry Shyatt filled his lone available scholarship for next year when he signed Austin Mueller, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to a national letter of intent on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-6, 200-pound Mueller will begin his Wyoming career during the 2016-17 academic year.

Mueller said Wednesday that he signed with the Cowboys because he liked the coaches and players and the fact that Laramie isn't too far from home.

He described himself as a player who gives "it my all every possession."

Wyoming coach Larry Shyatt says Mueller is humble but tough and is a great fit for the team.

"He is one tough hombre. He's versatile. He can play multiple positions. He's competitive. He's got great try," Shyatt said.

Shyatt said Mueller is a very good shooter but can improve.

"Everything can become even more impressive if he becomes that deep shooter that he can be," he said.

Mueller is in his senior year at ThunderRidge High School. As a junior he helped lead the Grizzlies to a 24-4 overall record and an appearance in the Colorado Class 5A state championship game. He averaged 6.9 points and 4.9 rebounds a game last season.

Mueller earned All-Continental League honors last season and was also recruited by Colorado, Northeastern, Denver and Northern Colorado. In the classroom, he has a 3.7 grade-point average.

ThunderRidge coach Joe Ortiz said Mueller is working on all aspects of his game.

"I actually think Austin, in my opinion, can play early at Wyoming," Ortiz said. "It's a great fit for him."

Last year, Wyoming finished 25-10, winning the Mountain West Conference tournament to gain a spot in the NCAA Tournament where the Cowboys lost to Northern Iowa in their first game.

Highlands Ranch