CHICAGO — When you're a projected NBA lottery pick, every question at the draft combine carries weight. But for Mikel Brown Jr., one topic stood out above the rest: his former teammate, Sananda Fru.

The 20-year-old Louisville point guard, widely expected to hear his name called early in June's draft, spent over 20 minutes fielding questions about his recovery from a back injury, his sharpshooting prowess, and even his potential fit with the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 10. But as he stepped off the interview riser, one final query stopped him in his tracks.

What did Brown love most about playing alongside the 6-foot-11 Fru, who just transferred to Marquette?

"Just a big supporter. He loves his guards to death," Brown said, his eyes lighting up. "When he's locked in… he's one of the top bigs in the nation. One-hundred percent. It's just a different type of beast."

That kind of praise should have Marquette fans buzzing. Landing an impact big man was the Golden Eagles' top priority this offseason, and Fru — a German native who averaged 9.0 points and 6.1 rebounds for Louisville — fits the bill perfectly.

Brown's description of Fru echoed what former Marquette teammates used to say about Oso Ighodaro, now making waves with the Phoenix Suns: "Being able to guard guards. Being able to switch pick-and-rolls. Block shots. Run the floor. He's great in that aspect. I miss him to death. Can't wait to see him again."

Then, with a bang on the interview table for emphasis, Brown delivered the knockout line: "Sets nasty screens. Got me open on a lot of shots, and I got him a lot of freaking dunks."

For Marquette fans dreaming of a dominant inside presence, that chemistry is exactly what the doctor ordered.