NBA Draft Scouting Report: BYU Wing Richie Saunders

Richie Saunders has developed into one of college basketball's standout players over his four-year career at BYU. Standing 6-foot-5 with a reported 6-foot-8 wingspan, he possesses adequate size for an NBA wing. His game is defined by versatile, efficient scoring and high-IQ play, making him one of the nation's more impactful players. Despite being nearly 25 years old by the 2026 NBA Draft, his elite off-ball scoring, shooting versatility, and connective skills are expected to earn him second-round consideration.

Saunders' most projectable NBA skill is his off-ball scoring, which is considered immediately translatable. Over his final two collegiate seasons, he was a primary scoring option for BYU, averaging 17.5 points on 51% shooting across 53 games. He excels in spot-up situations, transition, and coming off screens, averaging around 1.3 points per possession in both spot-up and transition plays. His effectiveness stems from quick decision-making, an ability to read and attack closeouts, and a reliable finishing touch, shooting 64% at the rim as an upperclassman.

A significant strength is his three-point shooting, which showed steady improvement throughout his career. As a senior, he shot approximately 40% on nearly seven attempts per game. He is particularly effective as a catch-and-shoot threat, hitting unguarded shots at a 50-55% clip in his final seasons. While capable of shooting off screens, he is slightly more inclined to drive in those scenarios. His scoring is further bolstered by an increased free-throw rate, attempting five per game at an 83% rate early in his senior year.

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