Memphis Grizzlies announced the selection of Richie Saunders as the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, capping a journey that began in Provo and wound through a serious knee injury.
At Brigham Young University, Saunders evolved from a three‑star recruit into a standout performer, leading the Cougars in scoring, steals and ranking among the top contributors in rebounds and assists during his sophomore season.
His sophomore year earned him First Team All‑Big 12 honors and the conference’s Most Improved Player award, numbers that caught the eye of NBA scouts despite a torn ACL suffered against Colorado, a setback he endured while remaining a vocal supporter of his teammates.
A New Era for the Cougars
The draft also welcomed AJ Dybantsa, making it the first time two BYU players have appeared in the same draft since 1984, and the organization highlighted other prospects such as Bruce Branch, Dean Rueckert and Collin Chandler who are expected to follow a similar developmental path under Coach Kevin Young.
Coach Kevin Young expressed confidence that players like Bruce Branch and Dean Rueckert will continue to rise, while Collin Chandler is projected to take a comparable leap, underscoring a broader resurgence for Utah basketball and the university's growing pipeline to the NBA.
Beyond the draft board, Saunders' story has inspired teammates and fans alike, reinforcing the notion that perseverance and development can translate into professional opportunity, a narrative that resonates throughout the Cougars community and beyond.