In the high-stakes world of college basketball, where pressure can make or break a team, BYU’s Richie Saunders has found an unusual source of strength: tater tots. Yes, you read that right. Saunders, a descendant of the inventor of this beloved crispy snack, has become the face of BYU’s Sweet 16 run. His story is a unique blend of athletic prowess and family legacy, all tied together by the humble tater tot.
This article explores Saunders’ journey, his connection to Ore-Ida, and the impact of his ‘tater tot king’ persona on BYU’s basketball success. We’ll delve into the team’s performance, their strategies, and the broader context of their NCAA Tournament journey. Plus, we’ll keep you updated on the latest BYU score as they chase their championship dreams.
</n
Richie Saunders: From Family Legacy to Tater Tot King
Some players thrive under pressure; Richie Saunders thrives in the deep fryer. As a hard-nosed forward for BYU, Saunders has fueled his team’s journey to the Sweet 16. But what makes his story truly unique is his lineage: he’s a descendant of F. “Nephi” Griggs, the founder of Ore-Ida, the company that invented tater tots. This connection has led to an endorsement deal that sees Saunders featured in advertisements and provides free tater tots when BYU wins in the NCAA Tournament.
“When all you eat is tater tots,” Saunders jokes, “it definitely makes it easier.” This lighthearted approach reflects the team’s spirit as they navigate the challenges of March Madness. The comfort food staple has even found its way onto the school lunch tray at BYU, much to the delight of players and fans alike.
The Ore-Richie Partnership: A Crispy Endorsement Deal
BYU coach Kevin Young was surprised it took so long for tots to become a part of the BYU experience. Saunders has partnered with frozen food brand Ore-Ida — make that Ore-Richie for the length of BYU’s run in the tourney — to become the most popular potato pitchman since Napoleon Dynamite. The Cougars dig in on the crispy snack every chance they get, from ones who grew up eating them with hamburgers and hot dogs, to first-time consumers.
Egor Demin, a Russian native and five-star recruit, shared his first experience with tater tots: “It was good. It’s potato, I guess. I found out that it’s potato. I always thought it’s something sweet.” This blend of humor and genuine enjoyment has turned tater tots into a symbol of BYU’s tournament run.
BYU’s Sweet 16 Journey: More Than Just Tater Tots
BYU has become the tot of the town during March Madness as it reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since Jimmer Fredette took them there in 2011. The Cougars haven’t played in a regional final since 1981 and could get there with a win Thursday against second-seeded Alabama at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
Saunders and his tots roots — his great-grandfather, F. “Nephi” Griggs, is the founder of Ore-Ida — has become one of the surprise themes during a tournament largely devoid of bracket-busting upsets. Saunders is quick to note that, yes, tater tots have suddenly become big business for the Big 12’s Most Improved Player, but more than carb-loading has BYU still alive in March.
Beyond the Fryer: BYU’s Basketball Strategy
While the tater tot narrative is fun, BYU’s success is rooted in a solid basketball strategy. BYU plays fast, with an emphasis on 3-point shots, where BYU ranks 23rd in the nation in attempts, and on easy buckets in the paint, which has helped it move to 10th in the KenPom offensive efficiency rankings.
“I think the reason we’re here is to play basketball,” Saunders said. “You win (at) basketball, good things happen off the court.” This focus on the fundamentals has been key to their tournament run.
Ore-Ida’s Sweet 16 Giveaway and Future Plans
The good fortune has been no small potatoes for Saunders. Ore-Ida not only ceremoniously changed its name in tribute to Saunders, the company is giving away free tots nationwide from tipoff to the final buzzer of BYU’s Sweet 16 game. If the Cougars win their first national championship — they are 80-1 longshots, per BetMGM Sportsbook — Ore-Ida will release a new limited-edition offering: “Richie’s Tater Shots,” inspired by his jumper.
“It’s been a super-fun partnership,” Saunders said. “It’s been so random, but so awesome. They’ve been super good.” This collaboration highlights the unique opportunities that NIL deals can provide for college athletes.
Navigating NIL Opportunities and Future Prospects
Saunders’ connection to the tot blew up during the Big 12 Tournament and the story followed him last weekend to Denver where BYU beat VCU and third-seeded Wisconsin. Saunders — averaging 20.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in the tournament — not only studied the game plan, he took a potato pitch.
“I think Ore-Ida has done a really good job because they jumped on the ship real quick,” he said. “They flew a team to Denver when we were there. I think a lot of it is up to them if they want to try to cash in just like I feel like they have. Tater tots have been sold out in Utah County this whole week.”
Embracing New Opportunities in College Sports
While some coaches might have worried about the tots becoming a distraction, Young told his players to embrace all the new opportunities in the NIL world.
“Balancing all that has been interesting, especially during a time like this where your focus needs to be so high,” Saunders said. “Usually, I like to just kind of segment myself. I’m going to worry about NIL and all that stuff after the season. (Young) has kind of helped me, for example, being a professional basketball player, you have to have these kind of conversations during the season.”
The Tip of the Tot: BYU’s Bright Future
This is just the tip of the tot at BYU: Win or lose against the Crimson Tide, the Cougars will be joined next season by AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s top recruit who made a splash this season when he signed a NIL deal with BYU reportedly worth between $5 million and $7 million.
So, as BYU continues its journey in the NCAA Tournament, remember that it’s more than just a game; it’s a story of legacy, partnership, and the power of embracing unique opportunities. And, of course, it’s a story of tater tots. Keep an eye on the BYU score and cheer on the Cougars as they chase their championship dreams.
Leave a Reply