SALT LAKE CITY — Five years ago this month, a time period that might seem like a lifetime ago, Jimmer Fredette was college basketball's best story.

The 2010-11 season was spectacular beyond measure for Fredette, who would lead BYU to its first Sweet 16 appearance in 30 years and became the sport's national player of the year. Those glory days have been replaced by a lackluster NBA career that will never match the hype going into it.

One week after turning 27, Fredette has found his niche in the NBA. Unfortunately for him, that role is nothing more than bouncing around from team to team, never consistently breaking into a playing rotation.

History has shown the NBA is possible, but not at the level Fredette had anticipated when he came out of BYU as the national player of the year in 2011. Since being drafted with the 10th pick in the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks, who subsequently traded him to the Sacramento Kings, Fredette has bounced around trying to stick in the league. His latest attempt was a 10-day contract with the New York Knicks that expired March 1.

"I love the game of basketball," he said. "It doesn't matter where it is, it could be the rec center, the YMCA, it doesn't matter. I love being able to play."

The Knicks represent Fredette's fifth professional team, counting much of this season with the Westchester (N.Y.) Knicks of the NBA's Developmental League. The New York native flourished in the minor league, averaging 21.8 points a game and being named MVP in its All-Star game.

The Westchester situation was BYU Part 2, finally the time as a professional that has been most similar to his college career. In both situations, Fredette dominated the basketball, with it being in his hands most times. Just like in college, when he led BYU to its first Sweet 16 appearance in 30 years, Fredette was the main attraction on offense.

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Knicks sign Jimmer Fredette to 10-day contract

Jimmer Fredette got another chance in the NBA, and even received some unexpected playing time at the end of the New York Knicks' blowout loss.

In the NBA, Fredette has had to play more off the ball. Without being able to create his own scoring opportunities, Fredette is not nearly as effective.

"It's definitely something I've had to work on," he said. "When I was at BYU I had the ball in my hands a lot, making plays off the dribble and doing that type of stuff. I realize that's probably where I'm at my best, but I've definitely been conscious in trying to work off the ball as well."

At only 6-foot-2, Fredette has the size of a point guard, but his skills are more suited to the opposite guard position. In the D-League ,he played more of the off guard position and was able to score in transition.

His NBA lifespan depends on Fredette's ability to score within the offense without controlling the basketball.

"I definitely feel more comfortable when I have the ball in my hands," he said.

If the adjustment becomes too difficult, Fredette eventually may have to pursue options beyond the NBA. He seriously considered playing in Europe after the San Antonio Spurs cut him before this season but thought the D-League was the best path back to the NBA.

For now, he's putting all his efforts into solidifying a spot in the world's best basketball league. The ample amount of critics provide plenty of motivation.

"I obviously love playing basketball and I enjoy playing the game so much," he said. "That's why I put so much time and effort into it. But as a competitor you never want people to say bad things about you. You want them to like you. You want to go out there and prove them wrong."

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