Sananda Fru

Sananda covered both big positions and he did a good job. He was not as athletic as many other players at the camp but he did a very good job in defense due to his instincts and advanced feel for the game. Often he was positioned at the right place at the right time to stop the play or get the rebound. Showed solid feet on perimeter too and was able to stay in front of guards a few times. In offense, he received a few good passes – mostly after a pick & roll when he set a good screen and rolled straight to the rim – and he managed to score at the rim. We haven’t seen much stretching from him and he is quite raw in offense in general and there is a lot of room for growth for him on that side of the field.

His background

Growing up in Berlin with four siblings who also all play basketball, his single mother brought him to basketball training after it “kind of made sense” due to his size. In the shadow of ALBA Berlin, he gained his first competitive experience in the youth league for DBV Charlottenburg (berlin district) before Braunschweig took notice and he joined the team of NBA player and Owner Dennis Schröder. After being part of the professional squad already last season, he now established himself. At the same time, his enormous upswing confirms his nomination to the U20 national team last summer and his expected participation in the U20 European Championship again this summer. 

What makes him stand out?

He has a promising physical profile, a solid build (with room for more definition in his upper body) and a wide wingspan that easily allows him to play as a power forward or spend time in more mobile and smaller lineups at the center position. He moves fluidly and coordinatedly, is light on his feet and able to play in space over the rim, as he has also shown this season with some reckless (putback) dunks. Following up on that, Fru is always on the field with a high energy level that makes him a valuable asset, especially on the defensive end. On the one hand, he undoubtedly holds his own man in the post-up against more powerful bigs, while on the other hand, he usually manages to keep guards in front of him with his light-footedness. He uses his long arms just as well to make shots difficult in closeouts or occasionally blocks shots on defending penetrations. 

Where is there still potential?

He’s struggled a bit from three-point range this season (25% 3FG), but his solid free throw percentage (70% FT) coupled with a solid, fluid and quick release give hope. He also gets himself out of game rhythm at times, committing unnecessary fouls. Either when grabbing the hands of opponents on their drives or when falling for opponents’ fakes. It is also noticeable that his offensive positioning is not always ideal. Although he quickly runs fastbreaks, he rarely appears as a trailer, but often places himself behind the three-point line. He also doesn’t move maturely after setting picks, for example, ideally behind the three-point line or on short rolls. However, this should be perfected as he gains experience. One final aspect that somewhat ruins his resistant defensive play in the post-up is regularly allowing spins to the baseline, which are enormously difficult to recover from and can be prevented with improved positional play. 

Outlook

There’s no question that the NBA is still too early for Fru. His skills are clearly evident, but are still too rarely applied, which can of course be attributed to his limited playing time, but can also speak for a lack of courage. Ultimately, taking his name out of the 2023 draft is also to be expected. 

Without a doubt, however, Frus’ development can be seen from game to game. The only 19-year-old, who already makes a very professional and mature impression, will probably be given a bigger role in the coming season. Whether he will stay in Braunschweig is still open. As mentioned in the interview, he can certainly imagine the step abroad, which can further his personal and also playful development. 

Conclusion

He has prototypical physical tools with his solid combination of size, length, strength and agility and proved the ability to defend all five positions in the German 1st division. Once he manages to create offensively himself, there will be no getting around his name. After all, he also has a perfect NBA ambassador at his side in Dennis Schröder.

How is the current season going for you personally so far?

Personally, the season is going well for me, although of course we are not where we want to be in the standings. Personally, I’m getting my playing time in the form of a lot of minutes, and at the same time I’ve also gained confidence from the coaches and teammates. I am also simply regarded as a professional, which was not always the case last season. So I’m very happy at the moment.

 For those who don’t know you and your playing style yet. How would you describe it?

I’m a four, stretch five. I can play both. My role in the team is to play defense, stop my opponent and help where problems are. Otherwise I try to be productive with off-ball actions like cuts, but also distance shots.

 Regarding your background: If I have it right in my head, you are born in Berlin. How did you get into basketball?

As a kid, I was always a little taller than average. Then my mom suggested to go to basketball, because I always enjoyed sports and wanted to try them out at the same time. Then I went to practice at my home club in Berlin, Moabit, and I enjoyed it. Then I just got more connected. My 4 siblings also all play basketball and then it was more or less the family sport. Because with them, of course, I also played outside at events or simply the free courts.

 Do you have other (professional) athletes in your family?

No, my parents were not athletes. I haven’t had a relationship with my father since I was a child, and my mom’s sport was horse riding, but she wasn’t a professional athlete or athletic.

 I still remember your U19 1st division time. When you look back there, what did you improve the most?

Defensively, in particular, I improved. For example, in my lateral speed to keep opponents in front of me. Especially smaller and also faster guards. Generally speaking, there is also more confidence in my game and stronger and more willing finishes near the ring.

 Last summer you were part of the U20 national team. How was that experience?

It was a great experience for me. It was actually also the first time that I took part and experienced all the training camps and preparation matches. That was really cool for me and it just felt like a second team. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that far and didn’t reach the goals we had set for ourselves, but I still had a good role in the team. It was a lot of fun to be able to compete with other players in my age group and I hope to be back this summer.

Will you be back this summer or have you already had an exchange with the coaches?

Yes, exactly, I recently had a conversation with the national team coach. The U20 European Championship is taking place this summer and so far the plan is for me to play there. I really look forward to the event and the team!

After you signed up for the NBA draft a few days ago and probably also follow the NBA regularly, is there a player there that you look up to or try to pick up things from?

I follow the NBA. There are a lot of players who are crazy athletes. However, I don’t have a real role model. Who inspires me a little bit is Joel Embiid. His whole style of play and also the way he scores. When you look at his size and body and he still just creates a lot from the outside. That’s very inspiring.

How would you rank your shooting generally at the moment?

I would say it is very solid for my size and position. At times during the season it was inconsistent, but I’ve been able to turn that around. Because I don’t shoot five threes per game now, for example, I lack the game reps that make a sample size possible. Basically, I can say that I’m shooting quite well in practice and it’s getting better all the time.

On which position do you see yourself in the long run? At Braunschweig you are currently playing power forward or center. Where would you see yourself in the NBA?

Well, I see myself in the long run in a mixture of 4 and 5. I’m not a traditional big man, I would say, who goes into the low-post and unpacks moves, bullies the opponent under the basket. But I can defend the 5 because of my strength and my skills. Accordingly, I can also play pick and roll in the offense and space the floor. So it depends on how I function best in a team.

What do you think NBA scouts might have doubts about when it comes to your NBA level?

I assume my frame, because I’m not the strongest yet. Otherwise, if you look at my stuff from the German first league, maybe it’s because I haven’t had a huge role in the offense and therefore haven’t shown everything yet. Most of the things I showed were off-ball therefore.

What do you like to do when you are not practicing or playing? Any other hobbies?

I like to walk in nature, spend time with my friends. Sometimes I turn on the console, I can honestly say that. But yes, mostly spending good time with friends and going out.

Back to the draft again. Is there a franchise you would like to go to?

Well, of course, everybody has some dreams to be on Lebron James’ team, for example. For me, the dream of being drafted is enough, so I wouldn’t care what franchise it is. At the end of the day, if you make it, then you can always work your way up. Just because I got drafted by a team now doesn’t mean you have to stay there forever because you started there.

Have you talked to Braunschweig owner Dennis Schröder in the last days and weeks regarding the NBA?

No exchange has taken place yet because he himself is in the playoffs with the Lakers right now. His focus is to get as far as he can with the Lakers and in the best case win a championship. That’s why I’m just watching him play and following the games. When their season is over he will come to Germany and then we will meet here and see how it looks like.

Last question: Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would say that I see myself in five years already in the direction of the NBA in the best case. I would also be satisfied if I would play in the highest European competitions. Then just as a role-player, not as a superstar directly, but as a good role-player in a team.

Maybe I should add: I would also like to play outside of Germany. Just to get out of my comfort zone and see something different. There are some professionals who just stayed in Germany. I would like to experience how it is somewhere else, for example in Spain in the ACB, which is a very exciting league. Basically, just experience something different outside of Germany.