BYU star Richie Saunders has been named as one of the primary players to watch as a college basketball returner, now that he and his fellow seniors have been granted a fifth year of eligibility, if they feel so inclined to accept it.
I couldn't help but laugh, however, when his rumored landing spot wasn't a return to Kevin Young's system at BYU, but a reunion with Mark Pope and the Kentucky program he rejected years ago.
Richie Saunders is a name to watch for Kentucky’s remaining open roster spot.
— Thrill Keightley (@Cincitucky1) August 1, 2026
The 32nd overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies remains unsigned after being granted an additional year of NCAA eligibility. I’m told Saunders is considering a return to college, and Mark Pope has… pic.twitter.com/VDor1nS0Au
There was never any truth to these rumors in the first place, and they're even more ridiculous now that the courts have clarified that 2022 classmen granted a fifth season of eligibility have not been afforded the right to enter the transfer portal.
Built upon the premise of Saunders' connection to Coach Pope and little more, fans speculated that Saunders, the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, was lining up a reunion with his former coach (the one who's offer Saunders declined when Pope left Provo for Lexington). It was ridiculous at the time, and it's impossible now.
And I don't say this to suggest that Richie Saunders should instead make a return to Kevin Young and BYU basketball.
Of course, Saunders' inclusion would instantly lift the Cougars' floor, even while he recovers from his torn ACL, suffered near the end of the regular season. With a roster that promises more versatility, experience, and balance, Saunders would be an ideal locker room presence, and a more than ideal on-court addition, should he receive a clean bill of health before the year concludes.
BYU would be Saunders' only option for a fifth season, per the specifications of the court's ruling. But let's be honest, a return to college basketball carries much greater risk than the potential reward.
Already dismissed by many NBA scouts for his advanced age (for a draft prospect, of course), Saunders' stock would suffer with another year of college hoops, even if he performed incredibly. The risk of further injury doubles the danger, potentially keeping the Cougar out of the NBA entirely should he suffer another setback.
He has an NBA home right now: a Grizzlies team that is both excited to select him in the early second round and is at the valley of a rebuild. Few NBA rosters have the room for a rookie like Saunders, and Memphis is an ideal landing spot. With an NBA training staff and the faith of a professional organization already available to him, the BYU hoops star is better suited staying put in the NBA.
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