The junior standout is the first men’s BYU basketball player to receive Big 12 Conference Player of the Week honors.
BYU joined the Big 12 in 2023.
Richie Saunders becomes the first BYU player to earn Big 12 Player of the Week
The Cougars have twice had a Big 12 Newcomer of the Week in freshman Egor Demin, but until Monday, BYU had never produced a Player of the Week in the conference.
Richie Saunders became the first BYU men’s basketball player to earn a Conference Player of the Week award since Fousseyni Traore won WCC Player of the Week in 2021.
Saunders delivered standout performances in BYU’s victories over Kansas and Arizona, averaging 22.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. He also sank two clutch free throws with three seconds left to secure BYU’s upset win over Arizona.
“His play speaks for itself,” said BYU head coach Kevin Young after Saunders was named Big 12 Player of the Week. “He’s been incredibly consistent in all aspects of the game all season. He’s helped us beat some great teams, and as he gets more exposure, more people are starting to recognize what I’ve known for a while.”
Saunders has been efficient throughout the season, but last week was among his best. The Riverton native shot 10-of-11 inside the arc and 7-of-12 from three-point range in the two wins over powerhouse Big 12 programs.
The victories marked BYU’s first back-to-back wins over Top 25 teams since 1988. The Cougars’ strong performances, led by Saunders, also earned them a spot in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time this season.
Saunders and BYU will be back in action on Wednesday against Arizona State in Tempe.
Delaney Gibb continues to pile up Big 12 Women’s Newcomer of the Week honors
For the ninth time this season, BYU women’s basketball standout freshman Delaney Gibb has been named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week.
Despite BYU going winless against Arizona and Arizona State, Gibb delivered impressive performances, averaging 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.5 steals.
The Cougars will face Kansas on Senior Night at the Marriott Center on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Big 12 Basketball Player of the Week recognition: 2024-25 season
Nov. 11: Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
Nov. 18: Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
Nov. 25: Norchad Omier, Baylor
Dec. 2: Keshon Gilbert, Iowa State & Javon Small, West Virginia
Dec. 9: Keshon Gilbert, Iowa State
Dec. 16: Hunter Dickinson, Kansas
Dec. 23: Darrion Williams, Texas Tech
Jan. 6: Javon Small, West Virginia
Jan. 13: Curtis Jones, Iowa State
Jan. 20: Javon Small, West Virginia
Jan. 27: Milos Uzan, Houston
Feb. 3: Caleb Love, Arizona
Feb. 10: David N’Guessan, Kansas State
Feb. 17: JT Toppin, Texas Tech
