It’s Richie Saunders again. Richie Saunders, a star at BYU, said on Saturday night that he will be returning for his senior year. Last season, Saunders led BYU in scoring and was the key member of a squad that advanced to the Sweet 16.
Saunders was considering whether or not to enter the NBA Draft. Saunders made a decision that will return him to BYU because the declaration deadline is 4/26/25 (Saturday night).
After the season, Saunders averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, earning him the title of Big 12’s most improved player. Saunders shot 43% from three and 52% from the field, making him one of the nation’s most effective high-level scorers. The Big 12 First Team All-Conference team also included him.
BYU will have what may be the strongest offense in NCAA basketball this season when Saunders is paired with AJ Dybansta, Rob Wright, and Kennard Davis Jr. As the top recruit in the country, Dybansta may be the highest scorer among Wright, Davis, and Saunders, who all averaged double figures in scoring the previous season.
BYU will probably finish in the preseason top 10 in 2025โ2026 now that Saunders is back. This season is probably going to be the most anticipated in BYU basketball history.
Saunders is the ideal player to play with AJ Dybansta and Rob Wright. Saunders will gain from having more open looks than he had the previous season, while Wright and Dybansta will also be able to provide offense. Saunders topped the opposition’s scouting report for 2024โ2025. Saunders will be one of the weapons that opposing defenses must consider in 2025โ2026.
Saunders might be remembered as one of the greatest BYU athletes ever. He has the opportunity to lead BYU to the Sweet 16 twice, something no other player has ever accomplished.
In college basketball, return output is quite valuable. It’s noteworthy to get the key player back after a run to the Sweet 16. The Cougars have a chance to be among the top collegiate basketball teams with the players BYU has added around Saunders.
