CBS Sports’ College Basketball Insider Predicts BYU’s Unsung Hero Next Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
College Basketball insider Jon Rothstein recently highlighted Richie Saunders as an overlooked but essential piece for BYU heading into what he calls the most highly anticipated season in the program’s history.
“It feels like we’re always talking about BYU and for good reason,” said Rothstein. “I talked about last week how BYU was scheduling for a top seed in the NCAA tournament.”
The ceiling for BYU changed when it added both AJ Dybantsa and Rob Wright, but don’t forget about Preseason All-American Richie Saunders. pic.twitter.com/aCQ7BYgn4l
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 11, 2025
With BYU setting its sights on a Final Four run in 2026, much of the national conversation has centered around high-profile additions like A.J. Dybantsa, a potential No. 1 NBA Draft pick, and Rob Wright, a dynamic transfer from Baylor. However, Rothstein emphasized that Saunders deserves just as much attention.
“It feels like Richie Saunders, a proven commodity, an All Big 12 first team player, is a forgotten piece for the Cougars when people are talking BYU basketball,” said Rothstein.
A returning All-Big 12 First Team selection, Saunders was a standout during BYU’s Sweet 16 run, averaging 22 points per game in the NCAA Tournament while shooting nearly 60% from the field and over 41% from three. Last season, he hit 79 threes and shot above 42% from deep overall. Rothstein called him a “technician offensively” and believes he’s a legitimate preseason All-American candidate.
Rothstein named Saunders one of his four locks for the Big 12 Preseason First Team, alongside JT Toppin, Joshua Jefferson, and Milos Uzan. While new stars bring hype, Rothstein warns not to forget Saunders, “Richie Saunders, is somebody again who has already proven it at the college level,” stated Rothstein.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.