The University of Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball program took a major step forward on Monday, announcing the signing of standout forward/center Sananda Fru to its 2025-26 roster. Head coach Pat Kelsey, entering his second season at the helm, made it clear: Fru isn’t just another addition, he’s a game-changer from day one.
“Sananda is an impact player for our program from Day 1,” said Kelsey. “At 6-11, 255 with 7-4 wingspan he is an imposing physical presence with athleticism, skill and basketball IQ. He impacts winning on both ends of the floor. He is very good in the pick and roll as a lob threat and finisher, but I believe his game is evolving before our eyes as a viable three-point threat as well. He has very good shooting mechanics and in our system his confidence in that area will skyrocket. He attacks closeouts and is a productive player getting downhill at the rim on drives. Defensively, he blocks shots and his ability to move his feet makes him a very good ‘switch big,’ which is extremely valuable in modern basketball. He has competed against grown men in one of the best professional leagues in Europe over the last three years. Sananda is a terrific person. I am so excited to have him as a part of Louisville Basketball.”
Fru’s physical tools are only part of the story. The Cameroon native arrives in Louisville after four seasons with Basketball Löwen Braunschweig in Germany’s top professional league, the BBL. There, Fru established himself as a rising international prospect, starting 35 of 39 games in the 2024-25 campaign, including FIBA Europe Cup action, and averaging 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. His efficiency was eye-popping, connecting on 64.5% of his attempts from the field.
Kelsey is particularly excited about Fru’s versatility. “He’s very good in the pick and roll as a lob threat and finisher, but I believe his game is evolving before our eyes as a viable three-point threat as well. He has very good shooting mechanics and in our system his confidence in that area will skyrocket. He attacks closeouts and is a productive player getting downhill at the rim on drives. Defensively, he blocks shots and his ability to move his feet makes him a very good ‘switch big,’ which is extremely valuable in modern basketball.”
Fru’s impact was especially felt during Braunschweig’s playoff run, where he averaged 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in the German BBL quarterfinals, shooting over 60% from the floor and helping lead the club to one of its best seasons in the last 15 years.
A four-star recruit ranked in the Top 25 nationally for the 2025 class by 247Sports, Fru brings not only professional experience but also international pedigree, having suited up for Germany’s U20 national team in both 2022 and 2023.
With Fru’s signing, the Cardinals add a dynamic, high-upside talent who looks poised to make an immediate impact in the ACC and help usher in a new era of Louisville basketball under Kelsey’s leadership. photo via NextUp De Youtube
