Jimmer Fredette: The Legend of Jimmer Grows with Latest Annoucement

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Former BYU star Jimmer Fredette has yet another reason to smile.

The darling of the 2010-2011 college basketball season, the No. 10 overall pick in the NBA Draft, and ESPY award winner now can claim that he shares the same name with a special animal.

Not a dog or cat in Provo, but a racing horse. Here is the Saratogian with the details:

Among the youngsters is a colt sure to be popular with local fans: Jimmer. The son of Elusive Quality is named for Glens Falls native and former BYU basketball star Jimmer Fredette, a top 10 pick in the NBA draft who is set to begin his career with the Sacramento Kings.

Pat Hammel, wife of Glens Falls basketball coach Tony Hammel, works on the barn staff for Bill Mott, who, along with Pletcher, is one of WinStar Farm’s top trainers. Pat Hammel suggested naming a colt after Fredette to WinStar president/CEO and racing manager Elliott Walden. WinStar liked the idea and chose this particular colt.

No word yet on if the horse can launch 30-foot jumpers, but I can confirm that it lets other horses pass him by on defense.

It's just the latest example of how a hard-working quiet guy can become a national hero and have bizarre honors like this one to show for it.

As the younger Jimmer reaches his peak performing years...does that mean he will be off and running before the older Jimmer's NBA career even begins?

The NBA lockout is in full swing and the end seems to be far away. That gives the newest member of the Sacramento Kings plenty of time to root on his horse. Will he help train the budding racing star?

Highly doubtful...he's too busy launching deep three's in a dark gym in anytown USA.

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