Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Richie Saunders
Position: Guard/Forward
College: BYU
Class: Junior
Height/Weight: 6'5", 200 lbs
Birthdate: September 19, 2001
High School: Wasatch Academy (UT)
Player Overview
Richie Saunders is one of the most efficient scorers in the Big 12. He is an elite shooter from deep and a capable off-the-dribble scorer, but his greatest strength is his movement without the ball. His ability to relocate, use various pickup points, and score in motion makes him a valuable offensive weapon. This season, he has also improved as a playmaker and rebounder, adding more versatility to his game.
However, Saunders faces concerns regarding his athleticism and defensive upside. His limited lateral quickness makes it difficult for him to contain quicker players, and he lacks the defensive versatility to guard bigger wings. Offensively, he struggles to create separation against high-level defenders, making his NBA role somewhat unclear. While he has the size of an NBA shooting guard, his defensive limitations could present challenges at the next level.
"While he has some limitations, his effectiveness as a three-level, off-the-ball scorer makes me intrigued about his potential to fill a complementary role at the next level. And let’s face it—he’s shot the lights out all season, and shooting always comes at a premium." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Elite Shooting Efficiency: Among the most efficient scorers in the Big 12, excelling from deep and in catch-and-shoot situations.
Off-Ball Movement: Highly effective at relocating, cutting, and finding open space for scoring opportunities.
Scoring Versatility: Can score off the dribble, in transition, and off movement.
Improved Playmaking & Rebounding: Has taken strides in these areas, adding value beyond scoring.
Strong Basketball IQ: Makes high-IQ plays on both ends of the floor.
Concerns
Limited Athleticism: Lacks high-end lateral quickness, impacting his ability to defend quicker players.
Defensive Versatility: He struggles to guard opposing wings, making his NBA role unclear.
Shot Creation: He can struggle to create separation against elite defenders.
Positional Fit: Best suited as a shooting guard, but defensive limitations could limit his effectiveness.
Questions
Can he keep up with the speed and athleticism of NBA wings and guards?
Will his elite shooting be enough to compensate for defensive concerns?
Can he become a more reliable shot creator against high-level defenders?
Bottom Line
Richie Saunders is an elite shooter with strong off-ball movement and an efficient scoring profile. He has the size of an NBA guard and can stretch the floor, but questions remain about his defensive versatility and shot creation against top competition. If he can prove he can defend at a high level and continue expanding his playmaking and rebounding, Saunders can carve out a role as a floor-spacing wing at the next level.