For the first time in four years, Marquette has made an addition through the transfer portal. The former Louisville Cardinal forward is set to join a young Golden Eagles frontcourt that lacks experience after losing senior Ben Gold to graduation.
About Sanada Fru
Fru is originally from Germany and was rated a four-star prospect coming out of high school. Marquette’s newest addition stands 6-foot-11 and weighs 250 pounds.
Before committing to Louisville, Fru started 35 of 39 games for Löwen Braunschweig of the German BBL. In his final season with the Cardinals, Fru averaged nine points, six rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in just 22 minutes per game.
Photo Cred: 247 Sports
Per On3, Fru is the 27th-ranked player in the transfer portal, ahead of notable names such as Acaden Lewis and Finley Bizjack. In his NCAA Tournament debut against South Florida, Fru recorded his fourth career double-double. Over the past 24 months, no cloud has loomed larger over Shaka Smart’s program than the transfer portal. While Fru’s addition signals a shift in Marquette’s philosophy, he also provides much-needed physicality and rebounding—areas that have eluded MU in recent years.
Fru joins a backcourt consisting of star junior Royce Parham, redshirt juniors Josh Clark and Caedin Hamilton, along with 6-foot-11 freshman Sheek Pearson. Following the departures of Sean Jones, Tre Norman, and Zaide Lowrey, Marquette has more roster flexibility than at any point since Smart’s arrival. With Fru now committed, the Golden Eagles have filled 13 of their 15 scholarship spots.
Photo Cred: Louisville
Marquette is not finished in the portal. Marquette High’s Nolan Minessale of St. Thomas–Minnesota continues conversations with the program. MU is also in contact with former Tulsa guard Tylen Riley, along with BYU guard Kennard Daavis Jr. The staff is clearly prioritizing backcourt depth and versatility as they continue to reshape the roster heading into next season.
