Following Jimmer . . .

We've all heard about Jimmer Fredette. Some of us have very strong opinions of him based on being able to see his basketball qualities and faults way more closely than the rest of the basketball loving world. Clearly, Jimmer is a very special guy who is going to have a successful professional basketball career. He has worked hard to get to where he is, on the precipice of being drafted, and I'm certain that all of his hard work will pay off. I'm, for better or for worse, quite far from the State of Utah. I didn't go to school there. I don't have family there. And more than school ties or family ties, I have no stake in the Blood Feud that exists between Utah Collegiate Athletic programs. Being somewhat inoculated from all the Jimmer-mania by both distance and disinterest in College sports I was one of the last remaining basketball fans on earth who had to actively research this kid.

To be brief, I was surprised with what I found. We've looked at college prospects before. We've seen seemingly unstoppable offensive forces as well. I was expecting more of the same when I looked deeper into "Jimmer-mania". Instead of inefficient scoring, or a lack of fundamentals I found a guy who did have limitations but the desire to put in the time to not just be a college basketball player, but become a basketball stud. Jimmer is a stud, in pretty much every non-Honor code violating way there is (Beware: satire). Any quick trip to youtube can provide hours of evidence to this point. More than just playing ball, or getting the recognition from the media he has become an icon of sorts. It is a very compelling story to say the least. A story being produced by Tupelo-Honey that goes way more in depth than even a die hard Jimmer fan could hope for. (As seen previously in The Downbeat #503)

Another chapter in the Book of Jimmer will start on draft night. You know the FollowJimmer people will be there. Even if he doesn't end up on the Jazz, I'm certain that the documentary would be a worth while watch for any fan of basketball, as it details the process of going from college to the pros. If you are into that stuff, check them out. Me? I'm going to go watch some Marshon Brooks videos instead and cry.