Greater Columbus Basketball Legend Association
2017 GCBLA inductee
2017 GCBLA INDUCTEE
COLUMBUS, OHIO
Category: PLAYER
Recognition
Fred Saunders burst on the Columbus basketball scene with exploits for the Mohawk HS Indians of the Columbus City League. He was every coaches’ match-up nightmare as he earned All-City honors.
Fred 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. Saunders was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1974 National Basketball Association Draft (31st Overall) by the Phoenix Suns; he played power forward for the Phoenix Suns and the Boston Celtics during the 1970s.
Career Highlights
- Fred Saunders burst on the Columbus basketball scene with exploits for the Mohawk HS Indians of the Columbus City League. He was every coaches’ match-up nightmare as he earned All-City honors.
- Fred played for 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.
- Saunders was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1974 National Basketball Association Draft (31st Overall) by the Phoenix Suns; he played power forward for the Phoenix Suns and the Boston Celtics during the 1970s.
FRED SAUNDERS
PLAYER
FRED SAUNDERS