The Memphis Grizzlies selected Riverton native Richie Saunders with the 3 2nd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 24, 2026. The shooting guard's selection marks a significant professional milestone for the former BYU standout following a decorated but injury-shortened collegiate career.
Player Profile and Team Context
Saunders, a 24-year-old guard standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, joins the Grizzlies roster alongside other 2026 draft picks including Cam Boozer and Karim Lopez. According to NBA.com, the Memphis organization is preparing for Summer League action in both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas as part of their upcoming schedule.
Injury History and Adversity
The transition to the professional ranks comes after a period of significant adversity for the Utah native. As reported by ESPN, Saunders' collegiate career was effectively ended on February 15, 2026, when he suffered a season-ending torn ACL during the 2025-26 campaign.
Collegiate Achievements and Performance
Before his injury, Saunders established himself as one of the premier players in the Big 12 Conference. During the 2024-25 season, he earned both First-team All-Big 12 honors and was named the Big 12 Most Improved Player. His offensive capabilities were on full display throughout his tenure at BYU, including a career-high 30-point performance against Arizona State on December 3 2024.
Scoring Milestones and Transfer Details
His collegiate trajectory included several high-scoring outings, such as a 26-point performance against TCU on January 11, 2025, and a 25-point game against Arizona on February 22, 2025, which featured critical game-winning free throws. Despite entering the NCAA transfer portal following the 2023-24 season, Saunders ultimately chose to return to BYU for his final collegiate years.
Recruiting Background and Commitments
A product of Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah, Saunders was recognized as a three-star recruit and the third-ranked prospect from Utah in the class of 2020. He committed to BYU over offers from several prominent programs, including Utah, Utah State, Oregon State, and Creighton.
BYU Statistical Growth
Saunders' statistical progression at BYU showed steady growth. During the 2022-23 season, he appeared in 34 games with two starts, averaging 5.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. In the following 2023-24 season, his production increased to an average of 9.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 34 games.
Beyond the basketball court, Saunders holds deep ties to Utah and the community. Born in Riverton to Lisa and Rich Saunders, he is the great-grandson of F. Nephi Grigg, a founder of Ore-Ida and the inventor of the Tater Tot.
A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Saunders served a mission in Seattle, Washington, after an original assignment to Madagascar was changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also married former BYU basketball player Sierra Johnson on September 1, 2023.
As the Memphis Grizzlies prepare for the 2026-27 season, Saunders will look to prove his durability and talent following his ACL recovery. The Grizzlies have made available season tickets and group packages as they integrate their new draft class into the franchise.
