Tyler Haws, Jimmer Fredette, and the NBA

Dec 13, 2014; Ogden, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Tyler Haws (3) shoots a foul shot during the second half against the Weber State Wildcats at Dee Events Center. Brigham Young Cougars won the game 76-60. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmer Fredette and Tyler Haws only played one season together for BYU, from 2009-2010. Both were prolific scorers for the Cougars, with 2,599 and 2,720 career points, respectively. Both received national attention and recognition during their special college careers.

Following Jimmer’s fourth NBA season and with Haws’s NBA Draft date approaching, where are they both headed for the 2015-2016 season? What are the chances they end up on the same team again?

Just remember: It happened to Ziggy Ansah and Kyle Van Noy.

Jimmer and Haws, regarding their stats in the NCAA, have rather surprising comparisons. They shot the same career free-throw percentage, but the rest of their performances varied. I know stats don’t paint the whole picture, but Jimmer actually came out with many more steals (167 to 138) and turnovers (351-244) than Haws. Jimmer also had close to double the number of assists.

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, Haws was a little bit stronger in the rebounding and block department, outperforming Jimmer, who at 6 feet 2 inches didn’t quite have the length that Haws brings to the table.

Haws’ field goal percentage reached 48% his senior year. He will be able to score in the NBA.

Since they don’t have the exact same style of play, I find it possible they could end up on the same team. The problem? Both are scrutinized for a lack of NBA caliber athleticism, which means teams are unlikely to take a chance on both players. This drops their chances of someday playing on the same NBA team to well under 10%.

“I wouldn’t trade my experience at BYU for anything. I feel like I’m NBA ready mentally and physically, and I’m confident I can play.” -Tyler Haws

Haws has received a number of workout opportunities with NBA teams, including the Utah Jazz. Several people have expressed concern about his age, 24, which is older than most draft prospects. But Haws isn’t flustered. “I wouldn’t trade my experience at BYU for anything. I feel like I’m NBA ready mentally and physically, and I’m confident I can play.”

I think Tyler Haws will get picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Phoenix Suns.

Feb 2, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jimmer Fredette (32) shoots over Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Hawks 115-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Although Jimmer’s NBA Career hasn’t been anything spectacular, he has still been living his dream of playing in the NBA. Apart from his nearly flawless free-throw shooting (95%), Jimmer took a big drop this last season. He shot well from three-point range every season except for this last season (18%), where his best shooting (almost 50% from three) came in the 2013-2014 season with the Sacramento Kings.

While his numbers aren’t there, I think he still has the talent to at least stay in the league another few years. These NBA.com videos from one of his last games this season show the effort and work he is putting in.

Sometimes plans just don’t pan out.  Sometimes the situation that a player finds themselves in just doesn’t fit the kind of player they are.  Starting off in Sacramento probably wasn’t the best situation for Jimmer.  It might have been a different story had he been drafted by a team that could use a shooter and be put in a spot to succeed.  He has endured and he isn’t the first college player of the year that has struggled.  He won’t be the last.

It might be the same situation for Tyler Haws.  But for both of these players who have endured some of the most intense scrutiny one could ask for, they are competitors and will compete to the very end.  They are also good, humble young men who know what it takes to get the job done.

Jan 8, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Tyler Haws (3) goes to the basket during the second half against the Pepperdine Waves at Marriott Center. Pepperdine Waves won the game 67-61. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

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