BYU’s Richie Saunders Shines in Big 12 Basketball Awards

SALT LAKE CITY—March 10, 2025—BYU basketball player Richie Saunders has been recognized for his standout performance this season with two significant All-Big 12 awards, underscoring his crucial impact on the team’s success. The announcement was made by the Big 12 Conference on Monday afternoon.

In a press release celebrating his achievements, BYU highlighted Saunders’ impressive jump in performance, noting that after averaging 9.6 points per game last season, the 6-foot-5 wing player has elevated his game to average a team-high 16.0 points per contest. This remarkable improvement earned him the honor of Most Improved Player in the Big 12.

Coach Kevin Young commended Saunders, stating, “He has an unbelievable work ethic and motor. With the way we like to play and his strengths, it has been a seamless fit. He has taken full advantage of that opportunity.” Saunders’ achievements are a testament to both his dedication and the team’s strategy throughout the season.

Alongside Saunders, teammate Egor Demin also received accolades, being named to the All-Big 12 All-Freshman Team. Demin, a freshman from Moscow, Russia, earned honorable mention all-conference honors.

The All-Big 12 men’s basketball awards are decided by the league’s head coaches. The 2024-25 season marks the first year for Utah basketball and the second for BYU in the Big 12. Last year, four BYU players were given All-Big 12 honors, indicating the growing prominence of BYU in the conference.

This season, BYU has exhibited impressive performance, finishing third in the Big 12 standings with a record of 23-8, showcasing a considerable leap from their predicted ninth-place finish. The Cougars’ success is amplified by their eight-game winning streak, marking them as one of the hottest teams as they head into the postseason.

The upcoming 2025 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship is set to take place at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, from March 11 to March 15. BYU is expected to begin its tournament run against Iowa State, Cincinnati, or Oklahoma State in the quarterfinals.

“This team has done well keeping a singular focus,” Young said. “We’re looking to continue this momentum into the tournament.” With the prospect of facing top teams like Houston in the semifinals, both the players and coaching staff are optimistic about their potential in March Madness.

The full roster of this year’s All-Big 12 selections includes notable names like JT Toppin of Texas Tech, who was recognized as the Player of the Year, and Joseph Tugler of Houston, who earned Defensive Player of the Year accolades.