The NBA Draft is finally upon us, and in the hours leading up to Adam Silver's first words over the podium in New York, we want to break down and evaluate the representatives from BYU basketball: AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders.
So, using prompts from the FanSided staff, I've done the service of introducing these draft candidates by their on-court and off-court qualities. Second on our list -- but hopefully not in the second-round -- is Richie Saunders, the glue-guy turned superstar who became the lifeblood of BYU basketball through his four-year career.
Richie Saunders: NBA Draft Profile 2026
Richie Saunders is heart, hustle, and grit embodied into a golden-haired wing. Oh, and he hit over 40% of his three-pointers over a four-year career in Provo. He has an NBA skill: putting the ball in the basket. While he may be much older than your average prospect, he's been steadily climbing up draft boards in the days leading up to the draft after a torn ACL tanked his NBA IPO.
Moment you fell in love with them -- quote, play, game, any memorable/defining moment?
I was fortunate enough to know Richie Saunders as a missionary -- we both knocked doors in Seattle, Washington -- and he's one of the hardest workers I've ever come across. I saw what he can do both on and off the court, and it's hard to imagine many teams speaking to Richie without wanting to put that guy on their team.
Key area for growth/swing skill?
Richie will thrive or fall based on his ability to push connective passing and self-creation on the offensive end. The jump shot is there, and he made great strides as a junior and senior in the self-creation department, but he'll need a few more tricks up his sleeve to thrive in the NBA.
What is the first thing his NBA team will learn about this player?
Richie will outwork any individual in your gym. He's going to grind during warm-ups, drills, workouts, scrimmages, etc. And his on-court play might bother some of the stars hoping to cruise through the offseason, because he's not afraid to make those around him look lazy.
Why we wish he was staying?
Richie Saunders was the heartbeat and spiritual leader of BYU basketball from his sophomore season. It's going to be hard to imagine the team without their flagbearer, and Kevin Young will miss his presence in the locker room -- guaranteed.
Key measurable (vertical, wingspan, standing reach, etc.)?
He is a 6'5" guard/wing. He won't amaze you with his speed or raw athleticism, but where Richie may lack in those departments, he more than makes up for between the lines.
Major criticism and why not to worry about it?
How many rookies have you seen drafted at 25 years old? Because that's where Richie will be on opening night this fall after serving two years of missionary service before a four-year career at BYU. Sure, he just tore his ACL, but NBA teams have indicated that they aren't worried about what might happen to him so much as they can't wait to see what he can bring to their team in the margins.
Little known fun fact?
Richie speaks Malagasy, the native tongue of Madagascar. He's likely the only one in the draft who's even aware of the language at all.
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