New BYU coach Kevin Young is checking off two of the most important tasks on his to-do list.
He started building out his coaching staff with the addition of former Stanford assistant Brandon Dunson. And now he’s retaining his own players.
Point guard Dallin Hall and running mate Richie Saunders are coming back to BYU after entering the transfer portal and exploring options elsewhere.
Young fought off Creighton and several other high-major suitors for Hall. Fellow Utah native Steven Ashworth was part of the recruiting process with Hall and the Blue Jays. Ashworth left Utah State for Creighton a year ago for a NIL paycheck worth several hundred thousand dollars, according to multiple sources.
Still, Hall stayed in close contact with BYU during his time in the portal, according to sources. While that is not an indicator that a player is bound to stay, it is a sign that the door is open to returning.
Hall attended Young’s introduction to BYU. He spent a long time talking to former BYU great Danny Ainge. The two have a good relationship.
Now, Hall will be Young’s centerpiece as the guard goes into his junior year. Hall averaged nine points a game and over five assists in 2023.
Saunders’ return is also significant. He and his wife, Sierra, visited Kentucky and former BYU coach Mark Pope on Monday. But Saunders turned down the Kentucky offer to stay in Provo.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Brigham Young Cougars guard Richie Saunders (15) shoots during the game against the Houston Cougars in Provo on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024.
Young now has two of BYU’s top four returning players. Center Aly Khalifa went to Louisville after he contemplated returning to BYU.
Guard Jaxson Robinson declared for the NBA Draft. He could have gone in the portal — and still can — but it was always likely he would test the professional waters, according to sources with knowledge of his thinking.
Young’s pitch to players has been much more NBA-centric than BYU coaches in the past. That could move the needle with players, especially Hall who wants to play professionally and use his college experience to get there.
Young is currently coaching the Suns in the playoffs and will have at least some of the team down to a game against the Timberwolves. That was first reported by BYUTv.
