Fred Saunders


James Frederick Saunders is a retired American professional basketball player.

Collegiate career

Fred Saunders began his collegiate career at University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1970; in his three years there, he averaged 6.5 points per game. Saunders transferred to Syracuse University for his senior year. At Syracuse University, Saunders averaged 9.8 points per game as a power forward for the Orangemen. The Orangemen finished the season with a record of 17-9 and went on to the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship tournament. At Syracuse, he acquired the nickname "Chocolate Thunder" due to his unique skyhook.

NBA

Saunders was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1974 National Basketball Association Draft by the Phoenix Suns; he played power forward for the Phoenix Suns and the Boston Celtics during the 1970s.