Richie Saunders excelled last season under head coach Kevin Young, earning first-team All-Big 12 recognition. His strong form carried into this season as well, when he played, helping create what many consider one of the best big-three combinations in the country alongside Dybantsa and Rob Wright.
Why Richie Saunders Won’t Feature in the NCAA Tournament
Saunders will miss the 2026 NCAA Tournament after suffering a season-ending torn ACL. The 2025 Big 12 Most Improved Player of the Year will instead be recognized during BYU’s regular-season finale against Texas Tech on Saturday.
Saunders sustained the injury in the opening minute of BYU’s 90-86 overtime win over Colorado last month. After driving to the basket and making a pass, he landed awkwardly under the rim and remained on the floor for several moments before being helped to the locker room. He was unable to return, and the setback effectively ended his BYU career.
Saunders later addressed the injury and his emotions in an Instagram post.
“To end my BYU career like this is heartbreaking,” the Instagram post read. “I’ve loved every moment and every challenge that came with representing the school I love. These past four years have shaped who I am – on and off the court. Cougar Nation, thank you. Through the ups and downs, you’ve stuck with me. I’ll never forget that.
“My story has never been one of ease. And while I didn’t plan for this, my career is not over. I will return with more fight and more grit than before. My goals haven’t changed. I don’t always understand why things happen the way they do, but I trust that God is in the details. I trust His plan. The next chapter begins the same way I’ve always lived. Work With Faith.”
Before the injury, Saunders was enjoying another strong season, as he averaged 18 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, highlighted by a 33-point, 10-rebound performance at Kansas. He was also one of BYU’s most efficient scorers, shooting 48.9% from the field, including 37.6% from beyond the arc.
Saunders is a true one-school player, as he spent all four of his college years at BYU. It is an increasingly rare feat in today’s game, as only 22 high-major scholarship players will celebrate Senior Night this week, having stayed at a single program. Over his career with the Cougars, he scored 1,544 points with shooting percentages of 50.2% from the field, 38.7% from three, and 78.8% from the free-throw line.
Though Saunders didn’t get the ending he hoped for at BYU, he will feel love from Cougar fans on Saturday for his excellent loyalty. Besides him, BYU will also recognize Keba Keita, Mihailo Boskovic, and Jared McGregor during the Texas Tech game.
