Even though BYU’s season fell short, fans will remember a pair of bright lights

BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (3) and guard Richie Saunders (15) react to a play against Arizona State during the first half of an NCAA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Provo, Utah. | Rob Gray As the embers still smolder from BYU’s flameout in Portland at the NCAA West Regional, there are plenty of debate points on what, why and who.

And none of those questions are going away any time soon. I think head coach Kevin Young has a good grasp on it and is already working on rebuilding his roster for next season amid the crazy NIL and transfer portal era. His needs are obvious: more shooters and a dire need for defenders.

Lastly, he needs a husky, physical scoring threat who can be a rim protector under the basket. In the wake of those hot-button agenda items, two main items should be addressed after the end of this season. AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders deserve to be singled out for their outstanding contributions to BYU basketball.

I can not remember an @MarchMadnessMBB that has ever been impacted so much by many key game changing injuries to star players . Yes such as Caleb Wilson (UNC) JT Toppin (Texas Tech)Caleb Foster-Patrick Ngongba (Duke)Richie Saunders (BYU) Braden Huff(Gonzaga) LJ Cason (UM)etc — Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 20, 2026 One, a member of the school’s sponsoring faith; the other not. One, a Utah transplant from Massachusetts; the other a native son.