Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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BYU point guard Jimmer Fredette met with about a dozen local media members this morning, discussing his decision to enter the upcoming NBA Draft.
Acknowledging that he doesn't know a great deal about the draft exploration/workout process, he noted that BYU coach Dave Rose will be instrumental as an NBA contact, gathering the information Fredette will need to seek and/or schedule workouts.
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Asked what he would need to hear from an NBA team to prompt him to forgo his senior season at BYU, Fredette said he would need to have "a very solid, concrete guarantee, probably in the first round," noting "that doesn't happen very often."
Fredette says his decision is "more for the experience, getting feedback, and how to prepare myself to be a better basketball for the upcoming year, or whenever it is that I need to come out."
He added that "the plan is probably to come back (to BYU), unless something happens."
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You can hear Fredette's entire interview session by clicking on his audio link in the "Cougar Cuts" box to the upper right.
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Fredette says he will go into the draft workouts listed at 6'2", 195 lbs., and that he assumes pro teams will project him as a point guard, as opposed to a combo guard. He identified defense and distribution as areas of emphasis he expects teams to identify in the workout process.
Fredette listed Deron Williams and Steve Nash among NBA point guards to whom he would hope to be compared, relative to body type, particular moves and tendencies.
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Should he return to BYU as expected, Fredette says he anticipates that "we would have a great team. I think we could have a really good year, and also that game in Glens Falls obviously would be amazing for me and for the fans back home."
Asked about the allure of staying in school and leaving a four-year legacy, Fredette said "I love playing here at BYU. It's been a great experience for me...I wanted to come here and be a great player and try to help this program get into the national light and do great things. To build upon my legacy wound be great as well...it would be so much fun, it would be one of the best years I've ever had in my life...it would be a great time; we'll see how it goes."
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