Fred 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.

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 Saunders was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 1974 NBA draft with the 31st overall pick.