The BYU Cougars had a strong run this season, particularly in the Big 12 Tournament earlier in the year. After advancing past the second round of the NCAA Tournament, their campaign ended with a 113-88 loss to No. 2 seed Alabama, falling short of a Sweet 16 appearance.
Despite the loss, BYU’s performance this season signals a promising future. The Cougars averaged 81.4 points, 37.6 rebounds, and 17.3 assists per game. (Statistics subject to verification.)
Richie Saunders’ Role at BYU
On April 1, AJ Dybantsa, one of the nation’s top recruits, suggested that BYU could be a special team if Richie Saunders returns next season.
Saunders has been a key player for the Cougars, appearing in 68 games and averaging 7.6 points per game. He has shot 49.6% from the field, 35.0% from three-point range, and 70.1% from the free-throw line. He has scored in double figures 21 times, including 15 times as a sophomore in the 2023-24 season. He recorded a career-high 20 points against Georgia State in 2023 and Iowa State in 2024. (Statistics subject to verification.)
As a junior in the 2024-25 season, Saunders has averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He was named the Big 12 Most Improved Player of the Year and, on Feb. 25, 2025, earned USBWA Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week honors.
Saunders’ versatility as a three-level scorer and his improved rebounding make him a valuable asset to BYU’s offense.
How Saunders’ Return Could Impact BYU
Dybantsa, the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2025 and the highest-ranked commit in BYU history has the potential to be a game-changer for the Cougars. If Saunders returns, the two could form a formidable backcourt duo.
At the FIBA Under-17 World Cup, Dybantsa averaged 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His scoring ability, combined with Saunders’ experience, could significantly strengthen BYU’s offense.
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If both players take the court together, BYU could make deeper runs in conference play and postseason tournaments. As Dybantsa suggested, Saunders’ return could be the key to unlocking the Cougars’ full potential.
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