BYU star guard Richie Saunders sustained a torn ACL during the opening minute of Saturday’s 90-86 overtime victory over visiting Colorado.
Saunders was helped off the court after injuring the knee as he ended his four-season BYU career in disappointing fashion.
“To end my BYU career like this is heartbreaking,” Saunders wrote on Instagram. “I’ve loved every moment and every challenge that came with representing the school I love. These past four years have shaped who I am — on and off the court.
“Cougar Nation, thank you. Through the ups and downs, you’ve stuck with me. I’ll never forget that. My story has never been one of ease. And while I didn’t plan for this, my career is not over. I will return with more fight and more grit than before. My goals haven’t changed.”
Saunders, 24, is considered a second-round prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft. He is averaging 18.0 points and 5.8 rebounds and leads the Cougars (19-6, 7-5 Big 12) in 3-point baskets (64) and steals (43).
Saunders has scored 1,544 points in 128 career games (63 starts) for the Cougars. He ranks eighth all-time with 205 3-point baskets, 12th in steals (133) and 20th in free-throw percentage (78.8).
The loss of Saunders hurts a BYU squad capable of making noise in the NCAA Tournament behind freshman star AJ Dybantsa.
“I don’t always understand why things happen the way they do, but I trust that God is in the details,” Saunders said.
Cougars coach Kevin Young saw the energy leave his team, not to mention the fan base, after the devastating injury.
“I think it sucked the life out of the gym, if I’m being honest,” Young said after Saturday’s game. “You never want to see an injury to any player, but definitely not to someone who’s the heart and soul of our team and bleeds BYU blue. Just didn’t like seeing it.”
Saunders served a two-year church mission prior to starting his BYU basketball career.
No. 22 BYU faces Arizona on Wednesday in Tucson. The Wildcats defeated the Cougars 86-83 in Provo, Utah on Jan. 26.
Arizona will drop from the No. 1 spot on Monday after losing back-to-back games.
–Field Level Media
