Jimmer Fredette, BYU Hall of Fame Class Recognized During Halftime Against USF
Sep 25, 2021, 10:27 PM | Updated: 10:30 pm
(Courtesy of BYU Photo)
PROVO, Utah – BYU recognized Jimmer Fredette and the school’s hall of fame class for 2021 during halftime of the Cougars’ football game against the South Florida Bulls.
The Cougars hosted the Bulls at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, September 25.
10-plus years ago, Jimmermania was alive and well in Provo, Utah. Due to Fredette’s impressive career with the Cougars, BYU announced the basketball player’s induction into the school’s hall of fame on Wednesday, September 22.
.@jimmerfredette is now a #BYU Hall of Famer. 🙌 #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/716f5t7lJb
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 26, 2021
Fredette was joined in the class of 2021 by baseball legend Brian Banks, athletic trainer Gaye Merrill, track and field’s Amy Menlove Otis and Carrie Summerhays Roberts in golf.
To be inducted into the BYU Athletic Hall of Fame, criteria include All-American status, university graduation, professional accomplishments and community service.
Jimmer Fredette took the nation by storm during his BYU career
During Fredette’s four years at BYU, he went on to captivate the country with his rise to glory and his shooting range that extended from anywhere on the courts he played. In 2011, Fredette won the Naismith Trophy, given to college basketball’s top player. In addition, he led BYU to their first Sweet 16 appearance in 30 years.
At the end of his career with BYU, Fredette became the school’s all-time leading scorer, passing Danny Ainge. Fredette finished with 2,599 points. During his senior year, he averaged 28.9 points per game, a Mountain West Conference record.
Welcome to the BYU HALL OF FAME @jimmerfredette!! pic.twitter.com/gJDkidd8nm
— BYU Men's Basketball (@BYUMBB) September 25, 2021
Fredette was a lottery pick in the 2011 NBA draft, selected by the Sacramento Kings. He played six years in the league. Fredette has also played overseas in China where he has drawn nicknames such as “Jimo Dashen,” which in Chinese means “Lonely Master.” Earlier this month, reports suggest that Fredette will be continuing his pro career with the Shanghai Sharks in China.
Brian Banks played for two years at BYU, where he was a catcher and designated hitter. He was selected in the sixth round by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1993 MLB Draft. He went on to win a World Series title with the 2003 Florida Marlins.
Gaye Merrill was an institution at BYU for nearly 30 years as an athletic trainer. Merill passed away in 2010 after a valiant fight with cancer.
BYU will induct four former All-Americans and a nationally recognized athletic trainer into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday.
The five inductees will also be honored during a special halftime presentation at the @BYUfootball game vs South Florida on Saturday.#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/A44DmSTdZs
— BYU Cougars (@BYUCougars) September 22, 2021
Amy Menlove Otis was a seven-time All-American at BYU in track and field from 2004 to 2010.
Carrie Summerhays Roberts was a four-time all-conference award winner and was named back-to-back MWC Golfer of the Year in 2000 and 2001.
BYU’s game against USF is broadcast on ESPN2 and KSL NewsRadio 102.7 FM and 1160 AM.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.