NEW ORLEANS -- After scoring 40+ points in three of four games in January, BYU's senior guard Jimmer Fredette dominated the national spotlight, with a nation tuning in to see what "The Jimmer" had in store for the night.

Thursday's Southeast regional semifinal rematch between the BYU Cougars and the Florida Gators was no different for fans of Fredette.

After beating Florida in double overtime of the NCAA tournament first round last year, both schools looked to make the game personal, with tournament implications on the line.

Yet the Cougars will have to wait another year to advance to the Elite 8 after falling apart in overtime to a tougher Gators team, losing 74-83.

Many hoped that Fredette would lead the team deep into the tournament, breaking a 30-year drought, but all good things must eventually end.

The Jimmer era has official ended despite a monstrous season, stunning the nation with his ability to score. Fans, media, and athletes alike praised his game. Even Utah Utes fans secretly cheered for Jimmer to succeed.

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After losing Jimmer Fredtte, one of the best players ever to wear a BYU jersey, you would think the future is looking grim, but there's much too look forward to for BYU.

Midway through the season, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant called Fredette the "best scorer in the world." Durant added tonight that, "He is FOR REAL," after making a long 30-foot three-pointer to tie up the game with four minutes left.

National commentators even called deep shots beyond the arc, "Jimmer shots," or in "Jimmer range."

NBA All-Star Charles Barkley said of Jimmer: "You never worry about a great scorer like that."

Leading the nation with 28.8 points per game and becoming BYU's all-time scorer, Fredette was something special. Fredette joined NBA guard Steph Curry as the only players in 15 years to score 30+ points in two games leading up to the Sweet 16.

To many, Fredette was a superhero, delivered to a BYU team ready to make a mark on the national scene. Considered to be the leading candidate for the Naismith Player of the Year award, Fredette meant everything to Cougar nation.

BYU head coach Dave Rose said of Fredette's impact on the school: "Winning games -- that's his legacy. He just helped his team find ways to win games."

From small town beginnings playing basketball against prison inmates, to his name evolving into verbs and adjectives, Fredette took the Cougars to new heights.

Jimmer fans around the world were heard singing, "Teach me How to Jimmer," as others watched amazing highlight reels of Fredette doing what he does best.

But the question looming over his head is how does he translates to the NBA.

There have been many successful players that have had dominant seasons in college, but once joining the heightened level of play in the NBA, their success on the court fizzles out until they become one of many players on an NBA team.

Will Jimmer Fredette be the next Kevin Durant, filling the league's stat sheet with monstrous numbers or will he be the next Adam Morrison, a player who has occupied the bench for most of his career?

For Jimmer fans around the world, many hope that a new era in the NBA will be just as spectacular, if not more.

In the meantime, BYU fans will be always grateful for Jimmer Fredette and what he did for the BYU program. His name will forever be included among the best players to play at BYU.

E-mail: jfurlong@ksl.com

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