Why Richie Saunders’ Age, Not His Talent, Could Keep Him Out of the NBA Draft
Every NBA team desires 3-and-D wings like BYU’s Richie Saunders. However, Saunders’ age might be the main obstacle to his NBA aspirations.
While BYU freshmen Egor Demin and Kannon Catchings are frequently highlighted as NBA prospects, only one player on Kevin Young’s roster seems ready for the league right now: Richie Saunders.
Saunders’ relentless energy and grit have long been appreciated by BYU fans, but his skills, particularly on offense, have taken a leap forward. He leads the Cougars with 13.9 points per game and shoots an impressive 42.9% from three on five attempts per game. His 1.3 steals per game rank second on the team.
In four Big 12 games this season, Saunders exploded for 30 points against Arizona State and 26 against TCU, shooting 20-of-31 overall and 11-of-18 from three in those games.
Standing at 6-foot-5, the junior’s defensive intensity on the perimeter is unmatched. Although college “hustle board” stats aren’t widely available, Saunders would likely rank among the national leaders.
Scouts visiting Provo to evaluate Demin and Catchings have likely added Saunders to their lists. Every NBA team seeks 3-and-D players like him, and head coach Kevin Young, a former NBA assistant, recognizes his potential. “I tell every scout that comes through I think he is an NBA player,” Young said in November.
However, despite his skills, Saunders’ chances of hearing his name called on draft night are slim due to one reason: his age.
Age and the NBA Draft
Saunders graduated from Wasatch Academy in 2020 but delayed college for a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission, enrolling at BYU in 2022. Comparatively, 2020 high school grads like Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley are now established NBA players.
NBA teams typically prioritize either elite one-and-done players or younger prospects with high developmental potential. Older players, even those with polished skills, are often overlooked because franchises prefer to mold raw, younger talent.
In 2024, Zach Kram of The Ringer analyzed how age affects draft outcomes, focusing on Dalton Knecht, a top college player who fell in the draft largely because he was 23. Despite his top-10 rankings, multiple NBA executives admitted that Knecht’s age was a major concern.
If Knecht faced challenges due to his age despite his accolades, the odds are even slimmer for less-heralded players like Saunders.
NBA Performance and Age
Kram’s research also revealed that older prospects rarely meet NBA expectations. He found that first-round picks aged 22 or older underperformed by 8% compared to projections—the worst of any age group. Conversely, younger players, especially those drafted at 18 or 19, often exceeded expectations.
This data influences how teams assess prospects, as NBA front offices prioritize long-term potential. Unfortunately, Saunders’ age puts him at a statistical disadvantage, even if his game is NBA-ready.
Richie Saunders’ NBA Future
Despite the odds, Saunders could still carve out a path to the NBA. If undrafted, he could earn a Summer League invite and fight for a roster spot—a scenario familiar to many BYU alumni.
Eric Mika, Kyle Collinsworth, and Elijah Bryant—all older prospects—went undrafted but managed brief stints in the NBA. While none stuck long-term, they proved that hard work can open doors.
Utah State’s Sam Merrill, another returned missionary, defied the odds by being drafted at 24 and has since established a solid NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Richie Saunders has the skills to succeed in today’s NBA, but his age will likely keep him from being drafted. Still, if any recent BYU player has the determination and grit to make it, it’s him.