“We’ll be something special if Richie Saunders returns,” AJ Dybantsa said earlier. After a campaign that goes down as one of the most successful in school history, and with the No. 1-ranked recruit set to hit Provo next season, Cougars fans have every reason to be excited. But you know how it goes. There were whispers, transfer portal rumors, and recruits still on the fence about where they’d land. So, even with all the hype, success felt non-guaranteed. But, as it turns out, one of the best-case scenarios has become reality.

Richie Saunders is back!

The request was heard loud and clear, and BYU’s undisputed MVP of the season, Saunders, took to Instagram on Saturday to confirm that he is running it back in his senior season. With a skill set that screamed NBA worthy, you can understand why Saunders took his time to weigh his options. After all, he made the announcement just hours before the NBA Draft early entry deadline. His decision to return is as impactful as any commitment.

This season, he bagged Big 12 First-Team honors and was crowned the conference’s most improved player. Averaging 16.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on 52% shooting from the field and 43% from three, and leading the team all the way to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2011. Not to mention, Richie dropped 20+ points in 13 games and hit 25 against both Wisconsin and Alabama in BYU’s tournament games. If that doesn’t scream “star,” what does?

Hence, with Saunders back, BYU is officially one of the national title favorites for next season. They’re probably a lock for the preseason top 10, if not higher. His teammates and future teammates are already pumped.  When Dybantsa found out, he dropped a single, yet incredibly powerful word on his Instagram story, “up!!!”

The Saunders-Dybantsa duo could be the most electric pairing in all of college basketball. Throw in other key returners like Keba Keita and Dawson Baker, plus new additions like Rob Wright III, Dominique Diomande, and the recent transfer star, and the Cougars are stacked. The forward is exactly the kind of player you want alongside Wright and Dybantsa. With those two creating offense, Saunders is going to get some wide-open looks he didn’t see much of last season. That’s a scary thought for anyone facing BYU.

For next season, the Cougars aren’t just dreaming of a Final Four or a National Championship anymore…that’s the goal. Saunders is ready to finish what he started, as he said to the fans: “Time to finish what we started, Cougar Nation.” If he can pull it off, he’ll go down as one of the best to ever wear the BYU jersey. 

He has a real shot at becoming the first player in BYU history to lead the team to the Sweet 16 twice. Moreover, for his personal growth, his return also gives him another shot at improving his NBA Draft stock. He was already at the top of opponents’ scouting reports this season, and with new recruit Dybantsa on the wing to ease the pressure, his efficiency could hit even greater heights. 

The best part is that this news comes just after BYU snagged a four-star transfer, jumping to second place in the national recruiting rankings. 

AJ Dybantsa’s BYU on recruiting surge

AJ Dybantsa and the Cougars aren’t done yet. When Kevin Young took over at BYU, there were questions about whether he could recruit at the highest level. Well, those questions have been answered loud and clear. Not only has he surrounded himself with a talented coaching staff, but the organization he’s built is top-notch, with professional-level support and a strong NIL program to boost recruiting. 

BYU just bagged Kenneth Davis Jr., a highly sought-after transfer out of Southern Illinois. Davis, who averaged 16.3 points as a freshman while locking down opponents with stellar perimeter defense, is exactly what Coach Kevin Young and his staff needed to solidify their backcourt. 

With Davis in the mix, BYU is loading up for next season. According to 247 Sports, BYU is now holding down the second spot for the nation’s best recruiting class, right behind Big 12 rival Houston. This surge has been thanks to Dybantsa and Wright, two incoming five-stars, along with three other four-star players joining the program. 

However, Dallin Hall and Elijah Crawford recently entered the transfer portal themselves. With so many new faces on the way, their playing time was looking more uncertain than ever. But that’s what happens when you land some of the best talent in the game.

To make it better, Kevin Young isn’t done yet. He’s still in the hunt for some of the top stars in college basketball to round out next season’s squad. Looks like next year might just be the Cougars’ best.