Jimmer Fredette: College Phenom Destined To Disappoint?

The New Mexico Lobos are picking up the pieces, having been Jimmered by BYU Cougars’ prolific point scoring phenomenon Jimmer Fredette. After his career-best 52 points against the Lobos, once again, the age old question has arisen: will this human college highlight reel make the transition into NBA superstardom?

Fredette possesses proficient shooting ability conveyed by ridiculous range reminiscent of Dan Majerle. His lack of explosiveness and athleticism is an issue; if he can’t stay in front of his opponents, how is he going to get his shot off?

Athleticism isn't everything, as epitomised by the career of James White, who was blessed with elite athleticism. He used his 46-inch vertical and explosive first step to dominate the D-League. Yet, he failed to make it with the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets and is now playing with Dinamo Sassari in Italy.

In the past, NBA teams have won championships with starters who are limited in some capacity. The Detroit Pistons won the 2004 NBA championship with Ben Wallace, who was a nonentity as a scoring threat. The Boston Celtics won the 2008 NBA championship with Rajon Rondo, whose jump shot at times is nonexistent. Why can’t an NBA team be successful starting Fredette?

That being said, Wallace's pure athleticism in blocking shots compensated for his near nonexistent offense. Rondo's speed in consistently slashing to the basket, not to mention his stealing ability, compensates for his seemingly inept jump shot.

Fredette possesses none of these qualities. Will Fredette be too much of a defensive liability to be a starter?

Fredette is the reigning Sports Illustrated Player of the Year, was named CBSSports.com National Player of the Year today and is the Mountain West Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year.

One award destined to be bestowed under Fredette is the NCAA Division I scoring champion, although his numbers are inflated in a mediocre conference—as is the case with past NCAA Division I scoring champions.

Of the last 10 Mountain West Conference (MWC) Men's Basketball Player of the Year preceding Fredette, only Andrew Bogut is on an NBA roster. No MWC team has progressed past the Sweet 16, let alone won the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, since the MWC began operations in 1999. Since 2000, MWC teams are 10-24 in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament.

Injuries and illness withstanding, a player of Fredette’s immense ability should have a lengthy care in the NBA. If he does become a role player, it would be a disappointment to fans who watched him dominate college games in almost Xbox-like fashion.

While he may develop into a solid starter, it is unlikely that he’ll become an NBA superstar—though it doesn’t hurt to hope.