BYU's Richie Saunders Shines Despite ACL Injury Ahead of NBA Draft

Richie Saunders, a guard for BYU, made headlines during a thrilling matchup against Kansas on January 31, leading all scorers with an impressive 33 points. His performance included six three-pointers, ten rebounds, two steals, and a block, almost bringing BYU back from a significant halftime deficit at the historic Allen Fieldhouse. "Monster 33 + 10 from Richie Saunders at Kansas, nearly dragging BYU all the way back from a 20-point halftime hole," tweeted Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, emphasizing Saunders’ potential as a serious NBA draft candidate.

Coach Kevin Young praised Saunders after the game, noting he was "the best player on the floor," especially in a contest featuring two top prospects for the upcoming NBA draft. However, just two weeks later, Saunders' aspirations took a hit when he suffered an ACL tear in a game against Colorado, prematurely ending his college career. In an Instagram post, he reflected on his journey, stating, "My story has never been one of ease... My goals haven’t changed."

Fortunately for Saunders, his recovery is progressing well, and interest from NBA teams remains high. Despite the setback, he is projected to be selected in the second round of the draft on June 24. ESPN analyst Sean Farnham noted that prior to the injury, Saunders was likely to be a late first-round pick, estimating he could have been drafted between the 22nd and 30th spots.

In the 2025-26 season, Saunders averaged career highs of 18.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting 37.6% from beyond the arc. He earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors after previously being named to the First Team as a junior. His performances in the NCAA tournament further solidified his reputation, as he averaged 22.0 points in BYU's Sweet 16 run.

Scouting reports highlight Saunders as a high-scoring guard known for his shooting ability and passion on the court. His energy and leadership have made him a valuable asset for the Cougars. Currently, draft rankings position him between 31 and 52, with most predictions placing him in the second round. As NBA teams continue to evaluate his skills and potential, many are optimistic about his future in the league.