Richie Saunders’ decision to return kicked off a summer of relentless momentum for the BYU Cougars — one the program hadn’t felt in years.
It started quietly, with a simple announcement on a humid Tuesday morning in late April. No major press conference. No flashy hype video. Just a short statement posted on Saunders’ social media: “I’m back. Let’s get to work. #GoCougs.” But within minutes, the message detonated across the fanbase. Text threads lit up. Coaches exchanged calls with knowing excitement. BYU’s summer had officially begun.
Inside the Marriott Center Annex, head coach Kevin Young stood with a grin splitting his face. “This is the anchor,” he told his staff. “Now let’s build around it.”
Richie’s return wasn’t just symbolic; it was transformational. Last season, Saunders had emerged as the Cougars’ heartbeat — a 6’5” wing who played with a rare blend of grit and precision. He had averaged 11.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, while guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player almost every night. NBA scouts had hovered, intrigued by his motor and two-way polish, but after weeks of soul-searching, Saunders chose loyalty over draft projections.
And his choice set off a chain reaction.
Three days later, former Utah State star Javon Marshall announced he was transferring to BYU, citing Saunders as a major reason. “I want to play with dudes who care,” Marshall said on a local podcast. Then came two highly regarded freshmen, both flipping their commitments from other Big 12 schools after hearing about the program’s “unfinished business” vibe swirling around Provo.
At summer workouts, Saunders set the tone immediately. Every 6 a.m. lift, every conditioning sprint, every open gym session — he was there, dripping sweat, barking encouragement, refusing to let the group’s energy sag for even a moment.
“He’s a dog, man,” freshman guard Carson Fletcher said, wide-eyed after his first week. “Richie’s not here to mess around. He’s dead serious about winning.”
It wasn’t all sweat and slogans, either. With Saunders back, BYU’s schemes could fully bloom. Coach Young installed new dribble-drive actions centered around Richie’s downhill aggression, pairing him with stretch shooters in free-flowing sets that punished defenders for helping off him. Meanwhile, defensive drills grew brutal in their detail, Saunders hounding teammates in shell drills until defense wasn’t a chore — it was an identity.
By mid-June, the whispers grew louder. Quiet scrimmages against professional squads traveling through Utah ended with BYU walking off the court victorious — sometimes by double digits. Word got out: the Cougars weren’t just good; they were serious.
And through it all, Saunders remained the steady pulse of the summer. No matter how hot the gym got, how heavy the legs felt, he was there, bringing energy, demanding focus. His decision to return didn’t just stabilize BYU’s roster — it redefined the program’s ceiling.
By the time July hit and the final pieces fell into place, Cougar fans weren’t just dreaming about a solid Big 12 season. They were thinking about March. About banners. About making history.
All because Richie Saunders said two simple words: I’m back.
