BYU basketball legend Jimmer Fredette retires from basketball

2011 doesn't feel very long ago, does it?

At 36 years old, 14 years removed from his National Player of the Year senior campaign with the BYU Cougars, Jimmer Fredette officially announced his retirement from professional basketball on Wednesday.

"It's time to say goodbye to basketball," Fredette announced via his socials, "I have loved every second of my career through the good and the bad! [...] Basketball has made me who I am today. Excited for what is next in my life with my family!"

Perhaps the greatest basketball player in the history of the BYU basketball program to date, the Glenn's Falls, New York native spent four years under head coach Dave Rose in Provo. He lit the college basketball world on fire with his dazzling array of obscenely long-range jumpers, garnering highlight clips titled "Jimmer Fredette from the Moon!", "Jimmer Fredette shot that one from Provo!", etc.

Being named the AP National Player of the Year in 2011 and taking the world by storm, Jimmer's popularity as a player earned him cover spots on multiple editions of Sports Illustrated, and took his team to as high as a ranking as 3 in the AP Poll. Finishing with a Sweet 16 appearance in his final game, donning "Brigham Young" across his chest.

Jimmer finished his collegiate career as BYU's all-time leading scorer and one of the winningest players in program history.

Before Stephen Curry popularized long-range shooting, kids on the school yard would call out "Jimmer!" while chucking 3-balls from 5, 10, 15 feet beyond the arc. "Jimmermania" was a national sensation that caught the attention of even the very best in the basketball universe.

Stories of Jimmer's childhood training regimen, designed by his older brother, TJ, told of how a young Fredette would dribble a basketball in the darkened hallways of his local church building, and even played pickup ball inside their local prison with the intention of hardening young Jimmer to performing in a hostile environment.

All this was done to achieve his legally-bound duty to do whatever it took to play in the NBA. Having signed a contract that hung in his childhood bedroom, Jimmer was determined to make every sacrifice necessary to acheive this dream.

Following his legendary collegiate career, Jimmer was selected 10th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Though his NBA career fell short of expectations -- Fredette jumped around from team to team, unable to secure a long-term roster spot -- his professional career was still highly impressive overall, after scoring surges with the Shanghai Sharks of 70+ points in a single game.

Finalizing his professional term as a hooper, Fredette pioneered 3-on-3 basketball with the Team USA international squad. Leading the team into its first-ever Olympic appearance, Jimmer played basketball on the world's largest stage. An immensely impressive accomplishment for a player in the twilight of his career.

If I can get personal for a moment, Jimmer Fredette's career holds significant value to me and my basketball experience. I began following basketball and BYU sports at the age of 9, during that 2010-11 breakout season. Every time number 32 took the floor, I was absolutely enthralled by what outrageous shot he might attempt next.

As a player, I did everything I could to emulate my favorite player. Launching 3-balls became my strongest talent on the court, and when my dad wanted to encourage me to play harder, be tougher, and improve as a player, he would draw parallels to how Jimmer carried himself on the floor. "What Would Jimmer Do?" became a repetitive mantra in my mental space whenever I would compete.

I can still remember my dad calling me into our home office when I arrived back home from school, eyes wide open as he showed me Jimmer's career-high 24 point outburst against the New York Knicks.

I credit Jimmer Fredette for my love of basketball. My BYU fanaticism. A great deal of my basketball memories as a young man. Running into him and his family at a Zupa's last fall had my heart racing and my hands shaking. I am not embarrassed about that.

So when he announced his retirement from professional basketball on Wednesday, I didn't remember his underwhelming stint in the NBA. I remember the player who took down Kawhi Leonard and the San Diego State Aztecs. I remember the player who knocked down a 40-foot buzzer-beater in the Huntsman Center against Rival Utah. I remember when he dropped 52 points on a New Mexico team with only one free throw. I remember the man that made me fall in love with the game of basketball.

Thank you for an inspirational career, Jimmer. Now enjoy retirement.

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