BYU and Richie Saunders have found strong success, but how does it match with Jimmer Fredette’s 2011 March Madness run?
Richie Saunders has gone crazy this year. He is shooting 51.1% from the field, 43.1% from three, and 82.9% from the free-throw line. “Richie Rich,” as he is referred to by ESPN color commentator King McClure, has found himself in the same conversation as the legendary James “Jimmer” Fredette.
Saunders and Jimmer have one big thing in common: three-point shooting. Both players can shoot it from deep and make key plays when called upon. Jimmer was known for his deep shooting from what was called “Jimmer Range.” Saunders doesn’t shoot as deep but he can still make plays happen. Saunders when he is hot is almost impossible to stop and is a force to be reckoned with.
BYU has needed someone to revive the program and under first-year head coach Kevin Young, Saunders has become that guy. BYU has had stars after Jimmer like Tyler Haws, Yoeli Childs, Zac Seljaas, and Kyle Collinsworth but none of them have been as impactful as Richie Saunders has been.
Jimmer Fredette’s best game was against Gonzaga in the Third Round game of the 2011 NCAA Tournament. He scored 34 points and shot 47.8% from the field. Similarly, Richie Saunders had a career-high 30 points against Arizona State in their 2024-25 Big 12 opener. BYU has found another star and he has been unlocked by Coach Young.
BYU needs a strong performance from Saunders and the group to beat Alabama. Richie has proved he can hit clutch shots when called upon and this includes free throws. Saunders is finding a good rhythm from the charity stripe and BYU has called upon him to salt games away. He has delivered time and time again, like Jimmer.
BYU has a history of magic, and the Cougars always find a way. Jimmer and Saunders are both great shooters, smart players, and good people. Both players can make it happen when needed while still maintaining the kind and humble demeanors they have.
BYU’s James “Jimmer” Fredette and Richie Saunders are very similar. Three-point magic, free-throw genius, and off-the-court humility. This BYU team has the chance to make history while pulling inspiration from the Jimmer Era. The Cougars can win this and go farther. It’s up to BYU and it will be a good game!
