Rupp Award Goes to Fredette

March 30, 2011 -- BYU Guard, Jimmer Fredette, has been selected as the winner of the 2011 Adolph Rupp Award, annually presented to the National Player of the Year.

The 6-2, 195-pound senior from Glens Falls, N.Y., becomes the first Rupp Award winner from BYU and the first ever from the Mountain West Conference.

Fredette will be presented with the trophy by the Commonwealth Athletic Club of Kentucky on Thursday, March 31st at 5 p.m. at The Crowne Plaza (Reliant Park) in Houston. The press conference and awards presentation are open to the public.

Fredette, the Mountain West Player of the Year, led BYU to a 32-5 season, including a Mountain West regular-season championship, and into the Southeast Regional in New Orleans, where they were eliminated by Florida in overtime. He leads the nation in scoring with 28.9 points per game and, in three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 32.7 points. He also led the team in assists with 4.3 per game and shot 89.4 percent from the free-throw line. He shattered Danny Ainge's school career scoring mark, finishing his career with 2,599 points after scoring a school-record 1,068 points this season. He had 15 games in which he scored at least 30 points, including four 40-plus-point games and a 52-point game in the Mountain West Conference Tournament semifinals on March 11 vs. New Mexico.

"It’s always a joy to watch a player of Fredette’s caliber play, and we’re pleased this year that his selection marks the first ever winner from both BYU and the Mountain West Conference. Jimmer’s obvious dedication and work-ethic are the hallmarks of what Coach Rupp demanded from his players,” said Gerry Calvert, Club spokesperson.

The Rupp Awards awarded by the Commonwealth Athletic Club of Kentucky, a non-profit organization established in 1972 by players and associates of former UK head coach Adolph Rupp. The awards are determined by a select national voting panel consisting of over 90 sportswriters, coaches and athletic directors representing every major Division I conference and all geographic regions of the country. 

Media contact, Ron Heiert – heiertrc@insightbb.com and 859-866-2494.