The Jimmer Experience....

Those of you who know me best....okay those who know me at all....know that I love BYU sports. My obsession began during the 2001 football season and has only grown since then. My obsession has definitely shifted during the years (from love of cute boys to a love of the actual sports) but one thing has remained the same....the respect I have for BYU athletes. These are college athletes who are asked to live a higher standard. They are asked to live an Honor Code that most find ridiculous and most of them do it well. Many of the men served two-year missions where they became out of shape and out of practice and then came back and have to fight twice as hard to get back into shape. I have seen a lot of athlete's give interviews and there is just something different about a BYU athlete. It is clear that to most of these athletes it is important to be good people than to be good athletes. One good, very national, example of one of these athletes is Jimmer Fredette.

Over the past two years I have had lots of chances to see Jimmer play. I have also watched dozens of interviews he has given to local and national media. Each time I am impressed by his calm, confident demeanor.

Jimmer is the best player I have ever seen play live. I now watch basketball games expecting someone to pull up and shoot a three when his defender gives him the slightest room. That doesn't happen....that is a Jimmer thing. I remember talking to my family after the first time they watched Jimmer play live....they were quite amazed. It's something to watch highlights....you think they just show the good stuff...there are so many more great plays they just can't show. I think part of the magic that makes Jimmer who he is is the support of the fans....the undying love for Jimmer. Obviously there have been signs made, chants created, and videos produced about him but there is a quiet respect that people have for him. Almost as quiet as the respect he has for others.....

I have heard multiple accounts of Jimmer in good times (after a big win) and in bad times (after a big loss) and each report comes back telling me of a respectful and kind individual. My grandma wanted to see Jimmer play. After the game she had the chance to meet him...and boy did he make an impression. Jimmer is a look you in the eye kind of person...that's something you don't see everyday...especially from a player who was just celebrated as one of the best players in BYU history. His interviews are always professional and calm. He says what he means to say. He loves basketball but he realizes what is really important.

Mostly there will be the memories.....I can say I was there when Jimmer scored 45 against TCU....I was there when you had to wait 4 hours outside the arena to get seats in the lower bowl of the student section (and that was just the waiting outside...there was another 2 hour wait inside)....I was there when Jimmer made shots from way way beyond the arc....I was there when Jimmer scored 52 against UNM when he broke Danny Ainge's scoring record and then made his way to Dariese Gary, UNM's injured point guard, with cameras all around him to wish Dariese the best. I was there.....my parents have Danny Ainge's shot against Notre Dame....I have Jimmer's half court shot against Utah.

Someone will probably come in and break the records....someone will come in and dazzle the crowd and excite the nation with their play....that someone will be another generation's Jimmer. For now I remember The Jimmer Experience......