After spending two seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes, CJ Fredrick is transferring to Kentucky. The former high school star out of Covington Catholic High School in northern Kentucky is suiting up for John Calipari and the Wildcats next season. As a redshirt sophomore this past season, Fredrick has multiple seasons left in the NCAA.
Fredrick averaged 24.7 minutes per game this season for Iowa. In those minutes, he averaged 7.5 points and shot 47.4% from the three-point line. His sharp shooting ability is what the Cats care the most about, as well as having a good-sized guard with experience.
He has signed with the Wildcats officially according to this Tweet from the Kentucky men’s basketball team’s Twitter.
Welcome to the family, @cj_fredrick
#LaFamilia x #BuiltDifferent ?? pic.twitter.com/tbR5ILUW3p— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) May 5, 2021
In an official press release from Kentucky, Fredrick had this to say:
“I really appreciate the confidence Coach Cal has in me. I am looking forward to developing as a player…and make Big Blue Nation proud.”
The former Hawkeye thanked his former team and coaching staff as well in the release. This is the third transfer Kentucky has brought to Lexington in 2021. Oscar Tshiebwe of West Virginia and Kellan Grady of Davidson have also transferred to Kentucky this year.
John Calipari seems to believe in his newest transfer. If he can shoot as well as he has at Iowa, then it will be a big plus for the Cats. In the last few seasons, Kentucky has lacked good and great shooters and it has led to bad results at times. Coach Cal has promised to bring in shooters and with Fredrick and Grady he has at least two just from transfers.
Fredrick should get some good playing time at Kentucky and if his lingering leg injury from this past season stays away, he could have a great season.
