CJ Fredrick says not to underestimate his defensive ability. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Knowing he’s being counted on to make 3-point shots for Kentucky this season is nothing new for CJ Fredrick.
The former Covington Catholic standout has always been a shooter. He hit 46.1 percent from 3-point range as a freshman at Iowa and 47.4 percent his sophomore season before transferring to UK last season.
Leg injuries kept him from playing at UK last year but he’s expected to be a big contributor this season because of his shooting reputation.
“That’s just going to stay with me probably till I’m done playing basketball,” he said. “I can really shoot the ball. But I like to be able to do other things. Play off screens. Create for my teammates. Get in the lane (for) floaters and pull-up jumpers.”
He’s also not shy about his defensive ability and knows he will not be a liability on defense — something that is a no-no for coach John Calipari.
“I don’t know why everybody thinks I’m a bad defender,” Fredrick said Friday. “Even in high school and even in college, I’ve been one of the better defenders on my team.”
3 Responses
Sounds like a true UK player AND with Kentucky roots.
What a breath of fresh air.
Wonder why UK did not recruit him and land him out of high school?
Not on high enough on the rating services lists?
Reason 1–he was a KY native. Reason 2–he is white. Reason 3–he is not an NBA wannabe.
Crawford should be a starter, but I see Calipari giving more PT to his NBA wannabes.
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