A Fresh Face in Memphis
Richie Saunders was chosen by the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round of the NBA Draft, marking the next step in a basketball journey that began in Provo, Utah.
After completing a two‑year mission for the LDS Church, Saunders enrolled at BYU in 2022 and quickly rose from a modest role player to one of the program’s most celebrated talents.
His junior season earned him Big 12 Most Improved Player honors and a place on the first team all‑conference, while his senior year saw him average 18 points and six rebounds with a 49‑38‑82 shooting split before a torn ACL cut the campaign short.
Known for his work ethic, Saunders combined a reliable outside shot with tenacious defense, averaging 2.0 offensive rebounds per game and posting a career free‑throw percentage above 80 percent.
He shared the court with freshman phenom Egor Demin, who was later selected eighth overall by the Brooklyn Nets, and thrived under the guidance of head coach Mark Pope, whose system emphasized spacing and ball movement.
The Grizzlies view Saunders as a player who can stretch the floor, contribute hustle plays, and provide depth at the wing, qualities that align with the team’s evolving identity.