LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- He’s official. German transfer Sananda Fru — perhaps the most intriguing of Louisville basketball’s international portal additions — has signed to play for the Cardinals next season, the school announced Monday.
Fru, a 6-foot-10, 255-pound forward with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, brings four years of professional experience in Germany’s top league and a rising profile as a modern, mobile big man. A four-star recruit in the 2025 class according to 247Sports, he’s ranked among the Top 25 incoming transfers nationally.
“Sananda is an impact player for our program from Day 1,” Louisville coach Pat Kelsey said. “... He has athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ. He impacts winning on both ends of the floor.”
Fru played this past season for Basketball Löwen Braunschweig in the German Bundesliga and FIBA Europe Cup, starting 35 of 39 games and averaging 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. He shot an efficient 64.5% from the field and helped lead Braunschweig to one of its best seasons in 15 years — including a strong playoff showing.
In five postseason games, Fru averaged 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while shooting over 60% from the floor. He also brings international experience, having suited up for Germany’s FIBA U20 national team in 2022 and 2023.
“He’s very good in the pick and roll as a lob threat and finisher,” Kelsey said. “But I believe his game is evolving before our eyes as a viable three-point threat as well. He’s got very good shooting mechanics, and in our system, his confidence in that area will skyrocket.”
Kelsey also highlighted Fru’s defensive potential.
“He blocks shots, he moves his feet — he’s a very good ‘switch big,’ which is extremely valuable in modern basketball,” he said. “He’s played against grown men in one of Europe’s best pro leagues. And on top of all that, Sananda is a terrific person. We’re thrilled to have him.”
Fru becomes the latest addition to a rebuilt Louisville frontcourt under Kelsey.
He's one of three international players joining next season's team, along with Mouhamed Kamara from Senegal and Vangelis Zougris from Greece.
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