Jimmer Fredette Headlines 2021 BYU Athletics Hall Of Fame Class
Sep 22, 2021, 10:30 AM
DENVER, CO - MARCH 19: Jimmer Fredette #32 of the Brigham Young Cougars runs off of the court after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Pepsi Center on March 19, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
PROVO, Utah – Jimmer Fredette was an instant Hall of Famer the moment his BYU basketball career ended. But ten years later, it’s an official title on his resume.
BYU Athletics announced on Wednesday their five-person Hall of Fame inductees for the class of 2021.
Jimmer Fredette headlines the class of 2021 #BYU Hall of Fame inductees.
The five-person class will be honored Saturday night during the USF game.#BYUHoops @kslsports
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 22, 2021
Fredette is joined 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
The five-person Hall of Fame class of 2021 will be honored during halftime of the BYU football game against USF this Saturday in Provo. The kickoff for the game is at 8:15 p.m.and can be seen on ESPN2 and heard on KSL NewsRadio.
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.
