One of the finest seasons in recent memory for the BYU Cougars basketball team is now underway.
Although BYU made it to the NCAA Tournament the previous two years, it has even more talent on its roster this year.
The Cougars make a number of new additions to their roster going into the 2025–26 season, with the most notable ones being Baylor transfer Robert Wright III and well regarded rookie AJ Dybantsa. Wright has turned heads this season, and Dybantsa has rightfully received the majority of the headlines, but there is another standout player on BYU’s team, which is coached by Kevin Young.
As a junior, Richie Saunders had become a key member of the Cougars’ rotation after spending his first three years of college with the team. Saunders, now a senior, joined Wright and Dybantsa to form a formidable trio that might have caused a stir in March Madness.
However, the veteran winger posted on social media on February 15 that he had torn his ACL during BYU’s 90-86 overtime victory over Colorado. Saunders didn’t register any stats in the game in which he only played for one minute.
Prior to that game, the sharpshooter had scored at least 15 points in three of his previous four contests, one of which was a 33-point performance against Kansas. Against the Jayhawks, Saunders had 11 of 19 field goal attempts, 6 of 14 three-point attempts, and 5 of 6 free throws, along with 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block.
Saunders averaged 18 points, 5. 8 rebounds, 2. 1 assists, and 1. 7 steals throughout the season, with a 48. 9% field goal percentage and a 37. 6% 3-point percentage on 6. 8 attempts each game. With a height of 6-foot-5, the senior possesses the size, skills, and output necessary to attract the attention of NBA clubs.
The BYU star may have been a second-round selection in the 2026 NBA Draft because to his strong ball handling and perimeter shooting ability, which would make him a good wing prospect at the next level.
Although a front office may still be prepared to gamble on Saunders late in the draft, it seems more likely that the Cougars’ wing will have his best chance at the next level as an undrafted free agent following his injury.
As the team searches for a deep postseason run, BYU will be compelled to rely even more on Dybantsa, the possible top option in this summer’s class, in the absence of Saunders on the court.
