It looks like Richie Saunders has made a major announcement regarding his future at BYU! According to reports, Saunders has decided to return to BYU for his senior season, despite testing the NBA waters [A](https://athlonsports.com/college/byu-cougars/richie-saunders-makes-announcement-about-his-future-at-byu?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXeEVRcWRSbVlOUWRzYThVbjFoVHYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUlZLa3l3djM1cDZoZ2IzZm1QY1JOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1LWNvdWdhcnNcL3JpY2hpZS1zYXVuZGVycy1tYWtlcy1hbm5vdW5jZW1lbnQtYWJvdXQtaGlzLWZ1dHVyZS1hdC1ieXUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://universe.byu.edu/sports/richie-saunders-announces-return-to-byu-basketball-for-senior-season?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXeEVRcWRSbVlOUWRzYThVbjFoVHYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUlZLa3l3djM1cDZoZ2IzZm1QY1JOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvdW5pdmVyc2UuYnl1LmVkdVwvc3BvcnRzXC9yaWNoaWUtc2F1bmRlcnMtYW5ub3VuY2VzLXJldHVybi10by1ieXUtYmFza2V0YmFsbC1mb3Itc2VuaW9yLXNlYXNvbiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His decision has thrilled Cougar fans and left many—including head coach Kevin Young—excited about the upcoming season.
Here’s a fictional take on how this announcement might have played out:
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**IT IS DONE: BYU Star Richie Saunders Stuns Fans and Leaves Head Coach Speechless with Major Announcement**
*May 6, 2025 – Provo, Utah*
BYU basketball fans were left in shock and excitement as **Richie Saunders**, the Cougars’ standout power forward, made a stunning announcement that sent waves through the college basketball world. In a move that no one saw coming, Saunders took to social media late Saturday night to declare his **return to BYU for his senior season**, despite strong interest from NBA scouts.
The announcement came just days after speculation that Saunders was leaning toward entering the NBA Draft. His dominant performances last season, averaging **16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game**, had positioned him as a potential first-round pick [A](https://athlonsports.com/college/byu-cougars/richie-saunders-makes-announcement-about-his-future-at-byu?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXeEVRcWRSbVlOUWRzYThVbjFoVHYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUlZLa3l3djM1cDZoZ2IzZm1QY1JOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1LWNvdWdhcnNcL3JpY2hpZS1zYXVuZGVycy1tYWtlcy1hbm5vdW5jZW1lbnQtYWJvdXQtaGlzLWZ1dHVyZS1hdC1ieXUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, in a heartfelt message to Cougar Nation, Saunders made it clear that he had unfinished business in Provo.
**A Decision That Changes Everything**
Saunders’ return instantly elevates BYU’s chances of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament. With the addition of **top recruit AJ Dybantsa** and key transfers **Rob Wright III and Kennard Davis Jr.**, the Cougars now boast one of the most formidable rosters in the Big 12 [B](https://universe.byu.edu/sports/richie-saunders-announces-return-to-byu-basketball-for-senior-season?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXeEVRcWRSbVlOUWRzYThVbjFoVHYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUlZLa3l3djM1cDZoZ2IzZm1QY1JOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvdW5pdmVyc2UuYnl1LmVkdVwvc3BvcnRzXC9yaWNoaWUtc2F1bmRlcnMtYW5ub3VuY2VzLXJldHVybi10by1ieXUtYmFza2V0YmFsbC1mb3Itc2VuaW9yLXNlYXNvbiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Head coach **Kevin Young**, who had been preparing for the possibility of losing his star player, was reportedly left speechless upon hearing the news.
“This changes everything,” Young said in a press statement. “Richie is the heart and soul of this team. His leadership, skill, and determination make us a legitimate contender. Cougar Nation should be excited.”
**Why Saunders Chose to Stay**
While many expected Saunders to take the leap to the NBA, sources close to the player reveal that his decision was deeply personal. “I’ve dreamed of playing in the NBA, but I also know that BYU has given me everything,” Saunders said. “I want to finish what we started and bring something special to this program.”
His return means BYU will enter the 2025-26 season as one of the **preseason favorites in the Big 12**, with a real shot at making history. The Cougars have never reached the **Final Four**, but with Saunders leading the charge, that dream is now within reach [B](https://universe.byu.edu/sports/richie-saunders-announces-return-to-byu-basketball-for-senior-season?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJXeEVRcWRSbVlOUWRzYThVbjFoVHYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUlZLa3l3djM1cDZoZ2IzZm1QY1JOIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvdW5pdmVyc2UuYnl1LmVkdVwvc3BvcnRzXC9yaWNoaWUtc2F1bmRlcnMtYW5ub3VuY2VzLXJldHVybi10by1ieXUtYmFza2V0YmFsbC1mb3Itc2VuaW9yLXNlYXNvbiJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) if you’d like any tweaks..
**Looking Ahead**
With Saunders back in the lineup, BYU fans can expect an electrifying season filled with high expectations and championship aspirations. The Cougars will open their season in November, and all eyes will be on Provo as they aim to make a statement.
For now, Cougar Nation can celebrate. **Richie Saunders is back, and the journey continues.**
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Hope you like this fictional take! Let me know
