Prospect Profile: Jimmer Fredette

We continue our series with a profile of BYU point guard Jimmer Fredette.

Jimmer Fredette improved exponentially from year to year at BYU. Now, following a spectacular junior season, he is climbing the ranks as one of the hottest point guard prospects available in this June’s NBA Draft.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder from Glens Falls, New York averaged 22.1 points, 4.7 assists and 3.1 boards in 2009-10 as the leader of the Cougars. By comparison, he averaged 16.2 points, 4.1 assists and 3.0 boards as a sophomore and just 7.0 points, 1.7 assists and 1.1 rebounds as a freshman.

Fredette ranked seventh in the nation in points per game and 18th in assists during his prolific junior year, and fittingly, was recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was named to the First-Team All-Mountain West Team and was the MWC Preseason Player of the Year. He was also a Wooden Award candidate, Oscar Robertson Trophy Finalist and Naismith Trophy Midseason Candidate.

While no one claims he is the best athlete, he is a tough as nails kid who excels in the clutch. Blessed with an uncanny ability score from just about anywhere as well as tremendous court vision, he is a true threat every time the ball is in his hands.

Even though he is mostly regarded as a point guard, Fredette is an explosive scorer. In 34 games, he scored 20 points or more 22 times and was held to single digits on just six occasions. He surpassed the 40 point barrier twice, dropping 49 points against Arizona and 45 vs. TCU. His most noteworthy performance, however, was in an opening-round win vs. Florida in the NCAA tournament when Fredette lit up the Gators for 37 points in a 99-92 win.

After seeing how much he has improved from year to year, many teams are expected to take a chance on the 21-year old Fredette and see what he can do at the next level.