BYU Aims to Rebound After Richie Saunders’ Departure – Deseret News
Brigham Young University (BYU) faces a pivotal moment as it heads into the final stretch of the regular basketball season. Unfortunately, the Cougars will have to navigate this challenging phase without their star guard, Richie Saunders, who suffered a torn ACL just seconds into a recent game against Colorado.
Impact of Richie Saunders’ Injury
This devastating injury occurred 45 seconds into BYU’s 90-86 overtime victory against Colorado. Saunders was a key player for the Cougars, contributing significantly with an average of 18.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. His absence poses a considerable challenge for a team that relies heavily on his skills.
Head Coach Kevin Young described Saunders as the “heart and soul” of the team, emphasizing his leadership and scoring ability. AJ Dybantsa, a teammate, echoed these sentiments, noting Saunders’ role as a vocal leader and a crucial offensive asset.
Stepping Up in a Tough Situation
In the absence of Saunders, players like Tyler Mrus and Aleksej Kostic stepped up during the Colorado game. Mrus made two critical three-pointers, while Kostic hit a decisive shot in overtime, helping secure the win. Coach Young acknowledged the need for bench players to step into more significant roles, an area where BYU has struggled this season.
- BYU’s bench scoring ranks No. 351 out of 365 teams nationally.
- Injuries to Dawson Baker, Nate Pickens, and Brody Kozlowski have depleted the team’s depth.
The team will need to quickly adapt to the loss of 20.8% of its scoring output. Dybantsa and Rob Wright III both rose to the occasion against Colorado, with Dybantsa scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, and Wright achieving a career-high 39 points.
Replacing Saunders’ Production
Despite the bright spots, BYU’s success hinges on more players stepping up. Kennard Davis Jr., a starter with inconsistent performance, will have to increase his contributions. He has shown promise in previous Quad 1 contests but has struggled this season with a shooting percentage of 36.5%.
Starting center Keba Keita has also faced challenges, averaging only 4.9 points per game in the past month due to a hand injury. His backup, Abdullah Ahmed, has made minimal contributions as well, adding urgency to the need for increased scoring from this position.
- Mr. Kostic and Mihailo Boskovic will need to play more significant roles.
- Mboup, a recent riser, can provide energy and valuable hustle plays.
With Mrus and Kostic shooting just 32.9% from three-point range this season, finding consistent scoring from their perimeter players will be crucial moving forward. Dybantsa expressed confidence in his teammates, encouraging them to step into their roles as the team adjusts without Saunders.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, BYU’s next test comes against No. 1 Arizona at the McKale Center. The Wildcats are dealing with their own injury concerns and will also be looking to bounce back after two consecutive losses. Dybantsa affirmed the team’s readiness, stating, “We’re coming in ready… we’re gonna trust the staff and go get a win in McKale.”
The Cougars face significant challenges without Saunders. However, their ability to adapt and elevate their game will ultimately determine their prospects for the rest of the season and their NCAA Tournament aspirations.
