BYU basketball: Jimmer Fredette signs signature shoe deal in China

BYU basketball’s G.O.A.T. has carved out quite an impressive career for himself in China. Now, after lighting up the scoreboard last year, he’s got his own shoe.

Jimmer Fredette nearly single-handedly shot BYU basketball to the promised land when he was a Cougar. After a disappointing stint in the NBA, the former Cougar took his talents to Shanghai.

Most BYU basketball fans were hoping Fredette might return to the form he had in college. They weren’t disappointed.

Fredette averaged 37.6 points per game last season in China, including a 73-point explosion one night. He was unsurprisingly named the Chinese Basketball Associations MVP.

Now the MVP has his own signature shoe.

And they’re awesome.

Fredette’s deal is with 361. The new shoe is called the 361 JiFeng.

This is where it gets even more awesome. According to Nick DePaula (who is the guy when it comes to sneaker reporting – if you knew there was such a thing), “JiFeng” translates to “sharp halberd.”

What’s a halberd? It’s a sword/spear/battle ax looking weapon. In Chinese history, it is considered one of the most devastating ancient weapons.

So, roughly, Jimmer Fredette is the most devastating weapon on the basketball court. Pretty cool.

Next: Jimmer's Best BYU Moments

Plus, tons of media outlets have taken notice of the new shoe – and nearly every reaction has been a positive one. Beyond looking incredible, they’re pretty affordable compared to other kicks,

Jimmer’s last shoe with 361 sold for $125, and it’s expected that the JiFeng will have a similar price point (they currently aren’t on the website). If you need to get yourself a pair, use the promo code “Jimmer” at checkout to save yourself 25 percent.

Certainly a far cry from the near $500 price point of the Big Baller Brand ZO2’s. This is something that For The Win actually points out, adding “(Jimmer’s) shoes look way better, too.”

They weren’t alone, either. CBS Sports writer Jack Maloney was high on the available styles, saying “the various colorways are fresh.” Bleacher Report’s Rob Goldberg also praised the design: “Now (Jimmer) is enough of a star to get his own signature shoe, which based on looks alone could sell quite a few pairs around the world.”

Based on the social media reaction it seems like The Lonely God has struck gold.

Sure, BYU basketball has a Nike deal – but how cool would it be to see Yoeli Childs rocking some JiFeng 361’s this fall?