James Frederick Saunders (born June 13, 1951) is an American former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 13, 1951 Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Listed weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Mohawk (Columbus, Ohio) |
| College | |
| NBA draft | 1974: 2nd round, 31st overall pick |
| Selected by the Phoenix Suns | |
| Playing career | 1974–1978 |
| Position | Small forward |
| Number | 30, 20, 12 |
| Career history | |
| 1974–1976 | Phoenix Suns |
| 1976–1978 | Boston Celtics |
| 1978 | New Orleans Jazz |
| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 1,107 (5.3 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 624 (3.0 rpg) |
| Assists | 224 (1.1 apg) |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
Collegiate career
editFred 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. Collegiate Stats
NBA
editSaunders was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 1974 NBA draft with the 31st overall pick. He played power forward for the Suns and the Boston Celtics during the 1970s. NBA Stats