A Scout's Take: Richie Saunders and the Power of Visualization
Richie Saunders visualized his BYU dream at a young age. Now, he's living out his childhood dream and could be a steal in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Visualization is a powerful method that Richie Saunders has embraced since the start of his basketball journey, and the results have been resounding. Encouraged by his father, Rich, a former basketball player at UC Davis, Richie visualized his basketball path as a youngster growing up in Utah, attending BYU games passionately, rooting for the Cougars. Richie always had his sights set on staying home and living out a dream of suiting up for BYU.
Saunders spent his final two years of high school at Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, where he continued to develop into a three-star prospect and one of the top players in the state before fulfilling his commitment to BYU.
Not only has Saunders fulfilled his dream, but he’s also been an absolute star for BYU and a key reason why the Cougs have had deep tournament run aspirations over the past few seasons. After being named First-Team All Big-12 and the Big 12 Most Improved Player last season, Saunders has taken another step forward in his senior season with averages of 18.8 PPG, 6.0RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG (2.1 stocks) on 48.9/ 37.6/ 81.7 shooting splits. As Saunders closes out his collegiate career, it’s time for evaluators to visualize his NBA translation and impact.
A Coveted NBA Carrying Tool
To borrow a baseball scouting term, a “carrying tool” is a high-level/elite attribute that is the calling card or primary value driver for a prospect. For Richie Saunders, there is no doubt that the three-point shooting is his NBA carrying tool. A career 38.7% three-point shooter (4.2 3PA, 530 total attempts), the sharpshooting wing is draining 37.6% of his threes this season on career-best volume (7.1 3PA) after knocking down 43.2% of his threes last season (5.2 3PA).
Saunders possesses compact, repeatable mechanics with a high, quick release, along with deep range and confidence. The shooting situation and type barely, if at all, affect his shooting mechanics. He’s able to maintain his mechanics on movement, standstill shooting, and pull-up attempts. Furthering his shooting profile, Saunders is connecting on 41.7% of his spot-up threes (84 3PA), 45.9% on unguarded catch-and-shoot threes (61 3PA), and 52.4% of his transition threes (21 3PA).
I’m hopeful that Saunders can eventually add to his shooting versatility and on-ball upside by developing as a pick-and-roll shooter. All the shooting indicators are there for him to become a reliable weapon, but the reps just haven’t been there at the collegiate level. Over the past two seasons, Saunders has been shooting just 2-of-11 on pick-and-roll threes as the ball-handler.
Ancillary Offensive Skillset
Saunders leverages his shooting prowess and gravity to support the rest of his game, particularly the ability to attack closeouts and handoffs. Armed with awesome shot fake utilization as well, Saunders gets to scoring opportunities at the rim and as a pull-up shooter against defenders that are looking to run him off the line or must step up to the level on handoffs. Once at the rim, Saunders is converting 59.4% there in the halfcourt. There, he’s primarily a below-the-rim finisher that can surprise defenders with some vertical pop and strength when there is a runway.
Although Saunders isn’t an advanced passer and decision-maker, he’s a trustworthy connective passer. Once again, it starts with his three-point shooting and his ability to attack closeouts. When running off the line, Saunders makes solid reads for drive-and-kicks and drop-offs. He can make handoffs to find the roll man or spray it back to the perimeter. Additionally, Saunders will make the extra pass and is capable of finding cutters both off the bounce and from a standstill.
It’s worth mentioning the value Saunders brings to the offensive glass. His two offensive rebounds per game don’t point to a monster second-chance opportunity creator; however, he’ll be a factor who comes up with key offensive rebounds. Saunders pulled down a career-high six offensive rebounds last month against Utah, and his 47 total offensive rebounds rank second on BYU behind Keba Keita’s 57.
Defensive Value
So, does a 24-year-old shooter actually have defensive value? Yes, he sure does. It’s going to come in the form of defensive playmaking and rebounding, though. Saunders isn’t going to be a formidable on-ball defender that’s super switchable due to a lack of ideal lateral quickness and recovery tools. However, his quick hands, projectable strong frame, potentially plus length, and competitiveness give him the tools to become an adequate defensive playmaker (2.1 stocks) and team defender.
Another way Saunders adds defensive value is with his rebounding. Many of you probably know how much I value rebounding, especially when the source is a perimeter player like Saunders, who can support the bigs and be critical to winning games. Saunders is averaging six rebounds per game (four defensive rebounds), including recent strong rebounding outings against Baylor (nine), Houston (seven), Kansas (ten), and Arizona (11).
Closing Reflections
Richie Saunders won’t be a consensus first-round pick right now, but his prospect profile points to being a second-round steal. At 6’5”, Saunders brings legitimate three-point shooting, floor spacing, energetic rebounding, and defensive playmaking. Thriving in an NBA-style offense under Kevin Young, plus seamlessly fitting next to elite NBA talent and primary handlers in A.J. Dybantsa this season and Egor Demin last season, furthers my belief that Saunders can smoothly transition to being an impactful NBA role player that can return first-round value. Trust the profile and embrace the vision.
HUGE fan of his game. Think he fits well as a fifth starter where he gets open C&S looks, can attack the rim, and make decent enough passes while being solid defensively
He's a first round pick to me despite the age concerns
This is really good work; glad he’s getting credit. Many media members only focus on dybantsa