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Expectations were high for Jimmer's senior season as Fredette was listed as a first team preseason All-American. Not only did his play exceed expectations, but he elevated his status from star to legend.
Returning for his senior season gave Jimmer a chance to return home.
"One of the most unique and exciting things was when we took Jimmer back to his home town to play that game against Vermont and just seeing the people respond to their guy," said BYU Coach Rose.
BYU entered conference play with a 14-1 record and that's when Jimmer raised his game to another level.
His 39 points at UNLV would be topped one week later by a spectacular performance against Utah. Jimmer scored 32 points in the first half before finally finishing with 47 in the game.
His performance launched Jimmermania, and the spectacular play would continue.
The eyes of the nation were on Jimmer and the Cougars when they hosted fourth ranked San Diego State. Jimmer didn't disappoint, scoring 43 points in the Cougars' win over the Aztecs.
He led the nation in scoring with 28.9 points per game. Opponents had no answer, as Jimmer led BYU to a share of the Mountain West title.
One team that had BYU's number was New Mexico, but Jimmer avenged those two losses with the best performance of his career. His 52 points against the Lobos in the MWC tournament was enough to become BYU's all-time leading scorer, breaking the record held by another legend - Danny Ainge.
"I was at the game that Jimmer broke my record. I was not feeling well. I was very ill at that game. It was in Vegas and I didn't even know at that moment. And then right after the game I wanted to be the first one in the locker room to congratulate Jimmer. It couldn't have happened to a better kid that's worked harder than Jimmer Fredette and I couldn't be prouder of him," said Ainge.
Jimmer made more history, leading BYU to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 30 years.
"Every season, and the different challenges that he had, and the way that he finished his career - being probably better than everyone thought he was when he started the year and everyone thought he was pretty good when he started the year, and then winning games - that's his legacy. He just helped his team find ways to win games," said Rose.
Email: jjensen@ksl.comTwitter: @JJSportsBeat
