Pepperdine University announced the addition of graduate forward Youri Fritz to its men’s basketball program for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, a move that bolsters the Waves’ frontcourt with size and seasoned experience.
Standing at 6‑9, Fritz hails from Tiel in the Netherlands and joins the Malibu campus after two productive years at Northeastern, where he helped the Huskies secure a respectable record and contributed significantly on both ends of the floor.
A Dutch Presence in Malibu
During the 2025‑26 campaign he appeared in 25 games, averaging 9.8 points and 5.4 rebounds while leading the team in blocks (22) and steals (20). He also posted 13 double‑digit scoring performances, including two 21‑point outings that highlighted his scoring burst.
His collegiate journey began at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, where over two seasons he developed a solid foundation, eventually earning a reputation for steady improvement and a keen feel for the game.
Beyond club play, Fritz has represented the Netherlands at the youth level, notably competing in the 2023 FIBA U20 European Division B Championship, underscoring his international pedigree.
Coach Griff Aldrich expressed enthusiasm about the signing, noting that Fritz’s leadership qualities and basketball IQ should translate well into the Waves’ culture and help elevate the program’s competitiveness.