LARAMIE, Wyo. � The truth about Derrious Gilmore's situation still isn't public knowledge.
As Wyoming coach Larry Shyatt quipped again Wednesday -- referencing his stern message after a Saturday loss at New Mexico -- that he can't tell the truth.
What is known is that Gilmore, a junior guard for the Cowboys, returned to the court in Wednesday's 58-53 loss to Air Force after sitting out nine games because he was temporarily academically ineligible.
"It's been really frustrating the past few weeks," Gilmore said. "My teammates and coaches, we're like a family. They kept on encouraging me and sticking with me throughout the whole process. That pretty much helped me stay sane."
Gilmore, a transfer from Jones County (Miss.) Community College, had averaged 14.3 minutes per game in the 15 outings -- including one start -- to open the season.
However, he was declared temporarily ineligible prior to UW's final nonconference game against Idaho State on Jan. 9.
He was reinstated in time for Wednesday's game and played two minutes against the Falcons, registering one assist and one turnover.
"It felt real good to be back out there," Gilmore tells the Casper Star-Tribune (http://bit.ly/z64QTb ). "Just getting out there for a little time out there, I felt like I was able to help my brothers and be there with them."
Shyatt said little about the situation as it progressed, but he was noticeably irritated by it at several times as it dragged on.
"I'm so happy for him because, unlike some other adults, he really handled himself well these last five weeks," Shyatt said. "Not only his work ethic in school, which has always been unparalleled with the rest of our team and the amount of time he puts in, but his attitude really was a sort of source of energy for our team."
Gilmore's absence has certainly been noticeable.
UW's starting guard line has been kept busier without the extra man on the bench. The Cowboys averaged just 37 bench minutes in the eight Mountain West games without their backup point guard.
"It hurt a lot," UW junior guard Luke Martinez said. "It hurt inside. It was one of our brothers going down.
"Having him there on the court, it's a relief. We have another weapon out there."
When Gilmore was eligible for the first 15 games, it gave Shyatt a few more lineup options.
First and foremost, Gilmore can spell starting point guard JayDee Luster, who played 38 minutes again Wednesday. Luster has played at least 37 minutes in six of nine league games.
But Shyatt also tinkered with putting both Luster and Gilmore on the floor at the same time earlier this year as well.
And Gilmore has certainly had his moments in his first year at UW, particularly scoring 18 points in a victory at Idaho State.
"I'm so thrilled for him," Shyatt said. "He had such a good attitude."
Gilmore will take part in his first Border War when UW travels to Colorado State Saturday.
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Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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