The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

SHAQUILLO Fritz will begin his pro basketball career in Spain.

Fritz signed with Hero Jairis of Spain’s Liga Espanola de Baloncesto (LEB Silver). LEB Silver is the second division in the country and was founded in 1996.

“Fritz will be in charge of bolting the paint based on intimidation and power, being the team’s defensive reference but also contributing in the offensive facet, in which we have no doubt that he will put all the rings of the team to the test,” the team said. “His incredible vertical jumping ability stands out and, when he blocks with his non-dominant hand, he does not usually have foul problems. His natural ability and extreme work ethic make him a very talented player that we are looking forward to seeing in action on the slopes.”

Last season, Fritz completed his collegiate career with the Pacific Tigers as a graduate transfer.

In 30 appearances for Pacific, he led the team in field goal percentage at 69.6 per cent, ranked second on the team with 26 blocks and fourth with 98 rebounds. He finished sixth in the West Coast Conference with 0.87 blocks per game and recorded a season-high five blocks against Saint Mary’s, the second-highest single-game total in the WCC. The Tigers ended their season with a loss in the WCC tournament quarterfinals where Fritz finished with six rebounds and two points.

On the season, he averaged 2.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

Fritz played the previous two seasons with the Arkansas StateRed Wolves before he entered the NCAA transfer portal to join the Tigers.

In 25 games and 13 starts for the Red Wolves as a senior, Fritz averaged 1.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. He shot 44 per cent from the field. He led the team with 24 blocks, five of those coming March 12th in a Sun Belt Conference Tournament tilt at South Alabama.

He had a season high seven points and nine rebounds in the regular season finale against Louisiana on March 9. He also pulled down a season high 10 rebounds against Texas State on February 14. He had at least two blocked shots in six games, including a season high five blocks against Grand Canyon.

The 6’8’’, 220-pound power forward played locally for the St George’s Jaguars before a number of stops in his high school and collegiate career. Fritz completed his high school career at IMG Academy in Florida, committed to Stetson University but eventually would play his freshman season at Miami Dade College before he transferred to Paris Junior College.

With the Sharks, Fritz played in 26 games and averaged 2.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 60 per cent from the field.