March Madness 2011: Is Jimmer Fredette the NCAA's Kobe Bryant?

He reminds me of someone.

That thought first popped into my head about two months ago when Brigham Young hosted San Diego State. At the time, SDSU was undefeated and ranked No. 4. BYU had only lost once and was ranked No. 9.

In one of the most anticipated games in college basketball this season, Jimmer Fredette torched San Diego State. He poured in 43 points and led BYU to a strong win. I was impressed by both his point total and the way he carried himself.

Jimmer played his type of game and stayed within himself. He didn’t get caught up in the moment and wasn’t spooked by the big stage. Jimmer’s performance was clutch.

He reminds me of someone.

As I watched Jimmer in the Mountain West Conference Tournament, the thought occurred once more. Brandon Davies had recently been suspended for the remainder of the season and many wondered how BYU would respond.

In the second round of the tournament, BYU faced New Mexico—a team that beat the Cougars twice. Jimmer displayed his ability to score in a variety of ways. He made fade-away jumpers, twisting three-pointers and up-and-under layups. He could not be stopped. 

Jimmer hung a career-high 52 points on the Lobos and BYU won by double digits. As he finished off New Mexico, he had a look in his eyes. A look of confidence. A look of assurance. A look of determination.

He reminds me of someone.

The thought crossed my mind most recently when the Cougars played Wofford and Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament.

Jimmer started slowly in both games and seemed focused on getting his teammates involved. When the time came to flip the switch, he did not disappoint. In the victory against Wofford, he finished with 32 points and seven assists.

The Jimmer Show continued against Gonzaga. While BYU held the higher seed, many believed the Zags were the superior team. Jimmer led the Cougars to a 22-point conquest and posted 34 points and six assists.

Following the loss, Gonzaga coach Mark Few said, “Believe it or not, I thought we defended [Jimmer] OK.”

He reminds me of… Kobe Bryant.

Now before we get too excited, let me explain my rationale. I am not trying to say that they are identical players. Jimmer is four inches shorter and weighs about 10 pounds less. Jimmer’s athleticism leaves much to be desired, and he is a sub-par defender.

I don't even know if Jimmer can dunk. Kobe and Jimmer have several other differences.

But there are many similarities.

Like Kobe, Jimmer is overflowing with self-confidence.

Jimmer has never seen a shot he didn’t like. In almost every game, Jimmer launches one of those incredibly difficult shots where I shake my head and wonder why he took such a bad shot—until it hits the bottom of the net.  

He’s been called selfish and labeled a ball hog, but is that really fair? I mean, if you had Jimmer’s talent, would you pull up for a three-pointer or would you pass to Logan Magnusson and watch him miss a layup?

When Jimmer is in the game, he knows he is the best player on the court.

Like Kobe, Jimmer has an unparalleled work ethic.

Anyone who follows BYU has heard the Jimmer folklore stories. The story about how he would dribble down a long, dark church hallway while his brother would jump out and throw elbows. The story about how he played pick-up games with inmates at a local prison. The stories are endless.

Jimmer has dedicated his life to the game of basketball. He has an incredible work ethic and an unwavering focus. His competitive nature drives him to constantly improve his game.

Like Kobe, Jimmer is not afraid of the big moment.

Let’s go back to that first San Diego State matchup. Many tabbed this as the biggest game in Mountain West Conference history. Jimmer had tremendous pressure to perform. He not only showed up, but elevated his game.

In the NCAA tournament, where the lights shine brightest, Jimmer has continued to deliver.

Like Kobe, Jimmer is a pure scorer that can’t be stopped.

When teams play BYU, they know they need to shut Jimmer down. They know this, but they still can’t stop him. Jimmer sees a new defensive strategy almost every time he takes the court and still finds a way to score nearly 30 points a game.

Jimmer not only scores, but scores consistently—he recorded at least 20 points in every Mountain West Conference game this year. He averaged over 35 points a game in the MWC Tournament and currently averages 33 points a game in the NCAA tournament.

Jimmer has proven that he cannot be stopped—he can only be contained.

The Jimmer show continues against Florida. A win would put the Cougars in the Elite Eight for the first time in 30 years. Come Thursday, all eyes will be on Jimmer. Why?

Like Kobe, Jimmer is the best player in the game.