Richie Saunders has decided to stay at BYU.
The Kentucky Wildcats’ pursuit of BYU Cougars guard Richie Saunders has ended without success. Despite Saunders visiting Lexington recently, there were indications that Kentucky was close to securing his commitment. However, Saunders has decided to remain at BYU instead.
Saunders entered the transfer portal shortly after his coach, Pope, announced his move to Kentucky, sparking speculation that Saunders might follow suit. Initially a 3-star recruit in the 2020 class, Saunders has spent the past two seasons at BYU, contributing as a productive bench player. He has maintained averages of 7.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 49.6% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. His performance improved this past season, recording 9.6 points on 52.3% shooting (36.4% from 3-point range), along with 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 20.7 minutes per game.
Saunders’ familiarity with Pope’s coaching system could have brought valuable continuity to Kentucky, along with his solid motor skills and consistency on the court. Additionally, Saunders is known for his efforts to effect positive change in the community, including his initiative of starting a duck-feeding business to finance his two-year mission trip to Madagascar, which was altered to Seattle due to COVID-19 restrictions.
With Saunders’ decision made, Kentucky will now turn its attention elsewhere in their recruiting efforts.
