This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Jimmer's back.
Former Brigham Young guard Jimmer Fredette will make his official return to Provo on Thursday, Sept. 22, hosting an exhibition game that is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Center.
Tickets for the event are still available.
Fredette pulled in several big-name rookies for the NBA lockout-inspired matchup, highlighted by Charlotte's Kemba Walker and Bismack Biyombo, and Denver's Kenneth Faried. Fredette will join ex-Cougars teammate Jackson Emery and be coached by BYU's Dave Rose, while San Diego State's Steve Fisher will guide Fredette's competition.
"It's a real exciting time for me and I think all these guys [will] be able to get together and have a good game," Fredette said.
The No. 10 overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft has not been able to have any contact with Sacramento since the lockout began July 1. Fredette spent a couple weeks after the draft decompressing and enjoying a return to normal life. He has resumed daily workouts in Provo, though, and is looking forward to meshing with the Kings' Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins once the league's work stoppage is lifted.
"It's all about going out there and just working it out, and trying to get jelled as quick as we possibly can and get ready for the season," Fredette said.
The Wooden Award winner has also had time to reflect on the Cougars' impressive run last season during the NCAA Tournament, while anticipating another big life-change on the horizon.
"It was an unbelievable last year for me," Fredette said. "And obviously the biggest thing is that I was able to get engaged and find my future wife. That's the biggest part of anything; I'm so excited about it. That's the best year that I could possibly have."
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Jimmer's All-Stars
P At the Marriott Center, Provo
7 p.m. Thursday
Tickets • Marriott Center box office; byutickets.com; 801-422-BYU1