BYU’s Richie Saunders Earns Prestigious Big 12 Honors
BYU’s Richie Saunders has had a remarkable season, and Big 12 basketball coaches are taking notice.
On Monday, the conference revealed that Saunders has received two prestigious All-Big 12 awards, recognizing his exceptional performance this season.
He was named the Big 12’s Most Improved Player.
He was also selected for a place on the All-Big 12 First Team.
In a press release celebrating these honors, BYU highlighted that Saunders has been instrumental in the team’s success this season.
“After averaging 9.6 points per game last season, Saunders transformed from a supporting player to the team’s primary scorer, averaging 16.0 points per game during the regular season,” the press release stated.
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Saunders’ teammate Egor Demin also earned recognition, securing a spot on the All-Big 12 All-Freshman Team.
The freshman from Moscow, Russia, was named to the honorable mention all-conference team, as was Gabe Madsen from Utah.
BYU guard Egor Demin makes a layup against Arizona forward Trey Townsend during a game at the Marriott Center in Provo on February 4, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Here are the full list of players recognized by the Big 12 this year:
2024-25 All-Big 12 Awards
Player of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas Tech
Defensive Player of the Year: Joseph Tugler, Houston
Scholar-Athlete of the Year: LJ Cryer, Houston
Freshman of the Year: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
Newcomer of the Year: JT Toppin, Texas Tech
Sixth Man Award: Curtis Jones, Iowa State
Most Improved: Richie Saunders, BYU
Coach of the Year: Kelvin Sampson, Houston
