“Whenever the ball tips off, the cape comes out and he plays like a superhero,” BYUtv’s Dave McCann said about Richie Saunders, calling him the Superman of the BYU program. His development under new coach Kevin Young has been outstanding, and his performances lit up the Cougars’ arena on a regular basis. But McCann could have been lured away by his former coach, Mark Pope, during the 2024-25 season.
Richie and his wife Sierra even flew to Kentucky to learn more about the program and assess their options. But what kept him in the Rocky Wasatch Mountains was his love for the program and school, along with the presence of Utah Lake to the west and Mount Timpanogos to the east. BYU HC Kevin Young also played a vital role in trying to convince and challenge Richie to get a spot in the BYU program.
“Yeah, absolutely. He’s as talented as any wing in the country.” Young said about Richie Saunders when he took over the coaching role, “I really believe that. I’ve been steadfast about my opinion of him. He’s made of the right stuff. He can shoot the ball, he competes.” His first job was to keep the core intact, and Saunders was his priority. The BYU Coach mentioned that Richie was made of the right stuff. And his growth in the program was proof of that. From a dreamer to a doer.
Passing out as the third-best Utah player from high school, he had multiple offers. BYU was one of them and it was an obvious choice for him. “I couldn’t pass up on home,” Richie Saunders said when he chose Cougars. He knew the road was gonna be hard, and that he would need to push his limits. But Richie enjoyed every bit of it and made the stride from a rotational player to Big 12 Most Improved Player in just three seasons. And his family had a big role in his work and career.
Raised in Riverton, Utah, Richie comes from a family deeply rooted in the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following the values instilled in him, it was obvious to go to BYU – due to the familiarity. This foundation was very evident in his court actions also. The versatile star was seen doing community service in his free time. He even served a mission in Seattle, Washington, reflecting his commitment to service and community.
On the court, he was as productive as ever, playing his third season with the Cougars, Richie’s points nearly doubled from a season ago – 9.6 to 16.5 points per game. Leading the team to a third-place finish in the Big 12, Richie was the top scorer and contributed defensively with 1.3 steals per game. Next target would be to win the NCAA title.
From his on-court fiery production to his off-court humble nature, Richie has made a name for himself in Utah. Though his hard work, dedication, and passion were key factors in his growth as a player, his parents shaped him as a human being.
Who is Richie Saunders’ Father Rich? Was He a Professional Basketball Player?
Richie’s father, Rich Saunders, was a basketball player at UC Davis. From an early age, Richie was immersed in the game. “Every morning at 5:00 or 5:30, we’d be training at the church,” Richie recalls. “Now, two decades later, he’s still a big part of looking at the game and thinking about different actions and strategies. He’s still huge for me.”
Young Richie had a heart for baseball and basketball. But upon reaching college, his father asked him to choose one and work hard on the same. After Richie picked up the orange ball, it was his father’s turn to shape him well. He began by taking Richie to the gym with his older sister, Whitney, who also played basketball. They worked on various aspects of the game, including dribbling, shooting, passing, and defence.
Although their father was more focused on Richie’s development, his mother made him a humble human being.
Who is Richie Saunders’ Mother?
His mother, Lisa, has been his unwavering cheerleader. Her presence at games and her support behind the scenes speak volumes about her dedication to Richie’s journey. She often kept him grounded and instilled humanitarian values in him. Lisa herself revealed that Richie was a sensitive kid, something which was also down to the presence of four elder sisters.
“Yeah, he was very mothered,” she claimed, something which undoubtedly gave him skills which also contributed to the meteoric rise that he now seems to be enjoying. And while things could have panned out somewhat differently, there is little doubt that both of his parents will be proud of the direction in which their son’s career is heading.
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